Molecular Epidemiology and Surveillance of Enteric Viruses

Dear Colleagues,

Enteric viruses are a functional rather than a taxonomic group, sharing some common characteristics. Primarily, the transmission of enteric viruses occurs through the fecal–oral route, although direct transmission also occurs through person-to-person contact. Enteric viruses are a significant cause of foodborne diseases through contaminated food or water or contaminated surfaces (fomites). Therefore, human waste management is critical for the control of enteric virus transmission. Enteric viruses are easily transmitted in close settings due to their low infectious dose and their environmental persistence. In humans, the most common presentation of enteric virus infections is acute gastroenteritis (AGE). AGE is responsible for over 200,000 pediatric deaths per year, mostly in developing countries. In industrial countries, AGE results in presentation to GPs or emergency departments and hospitalization. Indeed, in both the industrial and developing worlds, the economic losses caused by enteric viruses are significant. Viral AGEs may present as sporadic cases, but are commonly detected as outbreaks, particularly within close communities. Their ability to spread in the human population and cause severe clinical manifestations may be related to viral fitness and/or host susceptibility. Several pathogens are recognized as the etiologic agents of AGE in children and adults, and four viruses are considered as most clinically relevant, namely, group A rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus 40/41 and astrovirus. However, other enteric viruses, such as coronaviruses, toroviruses, parvoviruses, picornaviruses, picobirnaviruses, aichiviruses and human enteroviruses, may play a minor role. Some of the major enteric viruses are characterized by high antigenic/genetic diversity, and several sero/genotypes and variants have been described, posing challenges for their classification, but also for the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines. The aim of this Special Issue is to focus on the emergence and spread of common and novel viruses; the effectiveness of diagnostic approaches; genotyping, evolutionary mechanisms, natural selection and escape to immunity; and the implementation of infection control measures and treatment. Research studies on viral AGE, encompassing basic virology, molecular epidemiology, surveillance and prevention measures, etc., are encouraged to be submitted to this Special Issue. Any manuscripts that are relevant to “Viral Gastroenteritis and Enteric Viruses” are welcome.

Dr. Floriana Bonura
Prof. Giovanni M Giammanco
Guest Editors

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• viral gastroenteritis
• enteric viruses
• surveillance
• molecular epidemiology
• vaccines