How highly contagious norovirus infection gets its start

(Washington University School of Medicine) Researchers have shown, in mice, that norovirus infects a rare type of intestinal cell called a tuft cell. Noroviruses tucked inside tuft cells are effectively hidden from the immune system, which could explain why some people continue to shed virus long after they are no longer sick. These 'healthy carriers' are thought to be the source of norovirus outbreaks, so understanding how the virus evades detection in such people could lead to better ways to prevent outbreaks.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news