AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC INVESTIGATION OF NORWALK VIRUS-INFECTION IN SOUTH-AFRICA

A study was carried out to determine the incidence and seroprevalence of Norwalk virus CNV) in the Pretoria area, South Africa, using a reco mbinant NV (rNV) immunoassay for the detection of serum IgG antibodies . Maternal antibody was detectable in infants' sera up to approximatel y 6 months of age. Infection with NV was detected serologically in the second year of life and the seroprevalence of NV Ige rose from 37.1% at 7-11 months of age to 62.1% by the age of 40 years. No significant differences in seroprevalence of NV IgG antibody was evident between s ubjects of European or African ethnic origin, where overall seropreval ence rates were 56.4% and 53.9% respectively.