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http://dx.doi.org/10.13103/JFHS.2017.32.6.455

Molecular Epidemiology of Norovirus in Asymptomatic Food Handlers in South Korea  

Lee, Jeong Su (Food Microbiology Division, Food Safety Evaluation Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation)
Jeong, Min Hee (Food Microbiology Division, Food Safety Evaluation Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation)
Ju, Si Yeon (Food Microbiology Division, Food Safety Evaluation Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation)
Kang, Kyung Ah (Food Microbiology Division, Food Safety Evaluation Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation)
Joo, In Sun (Food Microbiology Division, Food Safety Evaluation Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation)
Publication Information
Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety / v.32, no.6, 2017 , pp. 455-459 More about this Journal
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups worldwide. In this study, prevalence of asymptomatic norovirus infection was investigated in food handler being employed at food catering facilities in South Korea. A total of 2,729 fecal specimens from asymptomatic food handlers were analyzed, and 1.06% of food handlers (29/2,729) had asymptomatic NoV infection. Of these, 17.2% (5/29) were positive for NoV GI and 82.7% (24/29) were positive for NoV GII. Especially, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that GII-4 was the most prevalent genotype and a large number of asymptomatic food handlers were infested with norovirus GII-4 strains. The results of this study show that asymptomatic food handlers may be potential transmission sources for NoV infection. These results emphasize the need for training of food catering employees about norovirus prevention. Asymptomatic norovirus infection should receive more attention.
Keywords
Asymptomatic Food Handler; Genotype; Norovirus;
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