Noroviruses as a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children in Finland, 2009-2010.

Noroviruses are, after rotaviruses, the second most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children. In a prospective study conducted in 2009-2010 at the Tampere University Hospital, 195 stool specimens were collected from cases of acute gastroenteritis in children and examined for noroviruses, sapoviruses, and rotaviruses, using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Noroviruses were found in 49 (25%) of the cases and sapoviruses in 12 (6%). The norovirus genotype GII.4 dominated with a 76% share; other genotypes detected were GII.7/GII.6 (16%), GII.g/GII.12, GII.e/GII.4, and GII.7 (2% each). For comparison, 47 (24%) cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis were diagnosed in the same period. In conclusion, after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in Finland in September 2009, noroviruses have become as common as rotaviruses as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in young children, and are likely to become the leading cause. Norovirus GII.4 continues to be the dominant genotype.