Noronet is an informal network of scientists working in public health institutes or universities sharing virological, epidemiological and molecular data on norovirus.
NoroNet
NoroNet is a continuation of the FBVE network, a network of virologists and epidemiologists in 13 European countries existing since 1999, who share surveillance and research data on enteric virus infections, focusing mainly on norovirus.
Since 1999 the FBVE network has maintained a joint database in which members have shared their data.
First a joint database was made for foodborne outbreaks caused by different viruses.
In 2008, using new software, separate databases were set up for different pathogens, of which the norovirus database is one.
The work of the network has been supported through three different EU (European Union ) projects, of which the last one finished in 2009. Since the last EU project has finished, there is no financial support, while the number of participants has increased significantly.
Aim
The aim of Noronet is to enlarge the knowledge on geographical and temporal trends in the emergence and spread of Norovirus variants, thus limiting the impact and scale of future norovirus epidemics. A second aim is the design of a well founded standardized nomenclature for existing and emerging norovirus genotypes and variants or sub-lineages.
By prospectively sharing information on norovirus activity we can chart the global spread, recognize changes in circulating strains and possible changes in the epidemiology of the virus and thus potentially predict epidemic seasons.
Database
The shared database is password protected and accessible via the Internet for data entry, sharing and analysis. Online analysis tools are available:
- Incidence plots
- Pie charts
- Phylogenetic tree tool
- Geographical plot
Typing tool
In order to ensure standardized typing of the sequences, all submitted sequences are typed using the publicly accessible norovirus typing tool.
Contact and membership
If you are interested in joining the NoroNet laboratory network, or have any questions, please mail to noronet@rivm.nl . Membership allows you to access the molecular epidemiology database and analysis tools and involves the signing of a confidentiality agreement (pdf).
For the latest news on Noronet and recent publications please visit the Noronet page of Erasmus MC.