Norovirus infections are recorded worldwide as the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. Human noroviruses are shed by infected individuals through feces and vomit. They are highly infectious and are characterized by high environmental resistance. Transmission can be caused by a smear infection (from person to person or via contaminated foods and/or water) or by virus-containing aerosols after vomiting. Norovirus infections affect all age groups, especially the elderly and children. During the winter months, norovirus infections lead to major outbreaks in community settings such as nurseries, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Since January 2001 infections with noroviruses must be notified according to the German Protection Against Infection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz).

The consultant laboratory provides various molecular biological methods for the detection and characterization of noroviruses. The main task of the laboratory is molecular surveillance of norovirus outbreaks, as well as detection of molecular-epidemiological links (transmission chains). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses can be used to make statements about evolutional dynamics and to detect new recombinants and new genotypes. These data are shared via NoroNet to provide early information on the emergence and spread of circulating variants.

The laboratory also provides support for the diagnosis of other viral gastroenteritis pathogens. For special issues molecular biological methods are available for the detection of sapovirus, astrovirus, or Aichi virus.

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