Norovirus: Facts and Reflections from Past, Present, and Future

Human Norovirus is currently the main viral cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGEs) in most countries worldwide. Nearly 50 years after the discovery of the Norwalk virus by Kapikian and colleagues, the scientific and medical community continue to generate new knowledge on the full biological and disease spectrum of Norovirus infection. Nevertheless, several areas remain incompletely understood due to the serious constraints to effectively replicate and propagate the virus. Here, we present a narrated historic perspective and summarize our current knowledge, including insights and reflections on current points of interest for a broad medical community, including clinical and molecular epidemiology, viral-host-microbiota interactions, antivirals, and vaccine prototypes. We also include a reflection on the present and future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Norovirus infection and disease.

Automated summary

Research on Human Norovirus continues to deepen our understanding of its biological and disease spectrum, but limitations in effectively replicating and propagating the virus hinder progress in several areas. Current areas of interest include clinical and molecular epidemiology, viral-host interactions, antiviral drugs, and vaccine development. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Norovirus infection and disease is also a subject of reflection.