Epidemiological and molecular investigation of norovirus and astrovirus infections in Rio Branco, Acre, Northern Brazil: A retrospective study.

Norovirus (NoV) is a major cause of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide, with infections reported in semiclosed environments, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes. Astrovirus (HAstV) is prevalent worldwide, especially in developing countries. We aimed to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution, and genetic diversity of NoV and HAstV in children under 5 years of age in Rio Branco city, Acre State, Amazon Region, Brazil.

Detection, epidemiology and characterization of VP6 and VP7 genes of group D rotavirus in broiler chickens.

Rotaviruses infect humans and animals and are classified into eight groups (A to H). Group D rotavirus (RVD) has been described in birds, although relatively few reports are available. The present study focused on RVD, including epidemiological and molecular aspects of samples collected from broiler chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil.

Genetic diversity of porcine sapoviruses in pigs from the Amazon region of Brazil.

Sapoviruses (SaVs) belong to the family Caliciviridae and are related to gastroenteritis viruses of humans and animals. These agents have been reported from several countries of the world and represent an important cause of economic loss. The Amazon area has a high degree of diversity of animals and plants, is located in the Northern Region of Brazil and accounts for a large part of the Brazilian territory.

Detection of avian group D rotavirus using the polymerase chain reaction for the VP6 gene.

Group D rotaviruses (RVs-D) have been documented in birds and, while they may be common in these animals, few molecular studies are available for this specific group. In this study, specific primers for the gene that encodes for the RVs-D VP6 protein were designed and used in a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thirty pools of samples were tested by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) yielding a 30% (9/30) positivity.

Characterization of an astrovirus genotype 2 strain causing an extensive outbreak of gastroenteritis among Maxakali Indians, Southeast Brazil.

Background: Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are a common cause of sporadic diarrhea in children but large outbreaks occur in children's day care centers, schools and in homes for the elderly.

Objectives: To report a large outbreak of acute gastroenteritis that occurred in January 2004 among Indians from the Maxakali Reserve in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Study Design: Fecal samples from 46 Maxakali patients were collected and tested for a range of enteric pathogens.