Distribution of Staphylococcus aureus carriage among healthcare workers in a Japanese convalescent and rehabilitation hospital.

Earlobes, nasal cavities, and fingers of 145 healthcare workers in convalescent and rehabilitation hospital (60 nurses and 85 rehabilitation healthcare workers) were sampled. Of the 3 sites sampled, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in one or more sites in 25 nurses and 27 rehabilitation workers. S.

Genetic characteristics of archival noroviruses detected from the 1970s to the 1990s.

The genetic characterization of archival specimens is important for evaluating the evolutionary processes of noroviruses. Complete viral genome sequences, GVIII.1[GII.

[Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of Hepatitis A Viruses Circulating in Tokyo, 2016-2017].

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common infectious agent that causes acute hepatitis worldwide. Since the incubation period of HAV infection is about one month, it is difficult to identify the source of infection based only on medical interviews. Molecular epidemiological analysis of HAV isolated from patients can help to reveal the infection route and to identify diffuse outbreaks caused by common food vehicles.

Cross-contamination of bacteria-colonized pierced earring holes and fingers in nurses is a potential source of health care-associated infections.

Background: In recent years, the wearing of pierced earrings for personal adornment has increased among health care workers in Japan. However, the transmission dynamics between bacteria in pierced earring holes and fingers has not been clearly shown.

Methods: Earlobes and fingers of 200 nurses (128 nurses with pierced earlobes and 72 nurses with unpierced earlobes) working at a university hospital were sampled to determine whether cross-transmission of bacteria-colonized pierced earring holes and fingers in nurse is possible.

Whole genomic analysis of human G8P[14] group A rotavirus detected from community gastroenteritis outbreak.

Several suspected cases of zoonotic transmission of group A rotavirus (RVA)-related gastroenteritis were reported previously. In August 2012, G8P[14] RVA was detected in fecal specimens from a community gastroenteritis outbreak occurring during a school trip. In this study, additional analyses were performed and it was found that this strain had the G8-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3 sequence, similar to bovine-like RVA strains.

Comparison between patients with norovirus-related gastroenteritis and asymptomatic carriers with respect to distribution of antibody-complexed viral particles and intestinal flora.

Asymptomatic carriers have a major influence on the spreading of norovirus infections. The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients and asymptomatic carriers affected by norovirus-related community gastroenteritis outbreaks. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of the number of norovirus-antibody complexes with respect to total numbers.

[Detection of Norovirus in Swab Specimens of Restrooms and Kitchens Collected for Investigation of Suspected Food Poisoning Outbreaks in Tokyo].

During 2015-2016, we examined norovirus (NoV) RNA in swab specimens collected for investigation of suspected food poisoning outbreaks in Tokyo by real-time RT-PCR. Of 1,726 swab samples, 65 (3.8%) were NoV-positive and all positive swab samples were derived from NoV-positive outbreaks.

Genomic analysis of the evolutionary lineage of Norovirus GII.4 from archival specimens during 1975-1987 in Tokyo.

This study aimed to analyze NoV GII.4 sequences from archival specimens obtained during 1975-1987 by comparing them with reference sequences. The first NoV GII.

Detection of Enteric Viruses in Fecal Specimens from Nonbacterial Foodborne Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Tokyo, Japan between 1966 and 1983.

We investigated the prevalence of 5 enteric viruses (norovirus [NoV], sapovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus) in archived stool specimens collected from 70 foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks in Tokyo, Japan, which occurred from 1966 to 1983, and genetically characterized these viruses. NoV was detected in 48 (68.6%) outbreaks, while SaV, group C rotavirus (RVC), and astrovirus were detected in 1 (1.

Multiplex real-time PCR assays for the detection of group C rotavirus, astrovirus, and Subgenus F adenovirus in stool specimens.

Group C rotavirus (GCRV), astrovirus (AstV), and adenovirus (subgenus F AdenoV) are etiologic agents of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis, which often represents community outbreaks. For the efficient detection of GCRV, AstV, and subgenus F AdenoV in stool specimens, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed to detect these three viruses simultaneously, with high sensitivity and specificity. In total, 8404 clinical specimens were collected between April 2008 and March 2011 and tested for GCRV, AstV, and subgenus F AdenoV by the multiplex real-time PCR, as well as for norovirus (NoV), sapovirus (SaV), and group A rotavirus (GARV) by non-multiplex real-time PCR.

[Detection of norovirus RNA in bivalve molluscs by using bacteria-culture-employed method (A3T method)].

Norovirus (NV) RNA has rarely been detected in foods despite the use of highly sensitive methods such as RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. In the modified method (A3T method) reported previously, a bacterial culture process was introduced into the standard protocol for NV detection to remove some inhibitor(s) present in food ingredients. To confirm the efficiency of the A3T method and to examine NV contamination in bivalve molluscs, we tried to detect NV RNA in bivalve molluscs on the market and in oyster samples associated with foodborne outbreaks by using the standard method and the A3T method.

[Enhancement of norovirus detection rates in oysters and other food samples by using bacterial treatment].

Factors such as low recovery rate and food contaminants may be responsible for the difficulty of detecting Norovirus (NV) by PCR in foodborne outbreaks. To detect NV more efficiently, we introduced a bacterial treatment, in which concentrated samples were incubated overnight with Klebsiella oxytoca at 35 degrees C before RNA extraction using the standard protocol. Recovery rates of NVs (G I/8 or G II/13) added to food suspensions in the modified method were compared with those in the standard method by quantification of NV RNAs using real-time PCR.