Norovirus (NoV) is a small non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Caliciviridae family of viruses. Six norovirus genogroups have been identified to date, which are further subdivided into genotypes. NoVs have a high mutation rate and numerous genotypes have been identified. NoVs responsible for human disease are found within genogroups GII, GI and GIV. The variant GII.4 has been identified as the most common cause of Norovirus outbreaks since 2002. (Karst, S.M.) Previously known as Norwalk virus, NoV is a major cause of non-bacterial outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus can infect individuals of all ages and can be a major cause of gastroenteritis in schools, care-homes, hospitals and cruise ships. Symptoms of NoV infection develop rapidly and include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea (Robilotti, E. et al). In most cases, Nov infection is a self-limiting disease that may last 1-3 days but can cause complications in very young, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. In some severe cases, NoV infection can result in dehydration, hospitalisation and death. (CDC) NoV is highly contagious. It can persistent in the environment and is resistant to most household disinfectants. Transmission of NoV primarily occurs through the fecal oral route and through contact with infected individuals, contaminated clothing, surfaces, food and water. In the USA, NoV is the major cause of food related illness. (CDC). Norovirus VP1 protein is the capsid protein of Norovirus. It is a 59kD glycoprotein with three key domains. The shell domain (S domain) contains elements essential for the formation of the icosahedron. The Protruding domain (P domain) is divided into sub-domains P1 and P2. P domain interacts in dimeric contacts that increase the stability of the capsid and form the protrusions on the virion. An hypervariable region in P2 is thought to play an important role in receptor binding and immune reactivity. Source: Recombinant protein corresponding to aa1-530 from Norovirus GI.1 VLP, strain Hu/GI.1/CHA6A007/2010/USA, expressed in Insect cells. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receipt at -20C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
