Global prevalence of norovirus in cases of acute gastroenteritis from 1997 to 2021: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The worldwide response towards the acute gastroenteritis epidemic was well known, but the absence of an updated systematic review of global norovirus epidemiology in cases of gastroenteritis existed. We aimed to conduct and update a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing norovirus prevalence among gastroenteritis patients worldwide. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for epidemiological papers from 2014 to 2021 which applied the PCR method to access the prevalence of norovirus in acute gastroenteritis patients more than a full year. Statistical analysis was conducted using R-4.0.0 software. Results: A total of 405 records with 842, 926 cases were included. The pooled prevalence of norovirus was 16% (95%CI 15, 17). Children under 5 years old were at a higher risk with norovirus. A higher prevalence was seen in South America (22%, 95% CI 18, 27), while other continents showed a similar result with the overall prevalence of norovirus. No association was found between national income level and norovirus prevalence. A gradient of decreasing prevalence was noticed from community (20%, 95% CI 16, 24) to outpatients (18%, 95% CI 16, 20) to hospital setting (included both in- and outpatients, 17%, 95% CI 16, 19) to inpatients (15%, 95% CI 13, 17). Conclusion: Norovirus were associated with 16% acute gastroenteritis globally. To fully understand the prevalence of norovirus worldwide, the continual surveillance of norovirus epidemics was required.

Automated summary

The global prevalence of norovirus in acute gastroenteritis cases was found to be around 16%. Children under 5 years old are at a higher risk of contracting norovirus. While South America has a higher prevalence, other continents show similar rates. The prevalence of norovirus decreases progressively from community to inpatients.