Development of genogroup-specific ELISA based on the VP1 protein to detect antibodies to GIV and GVI feline norovirus

Feline norovirus (FNoV) is a potential pathogen of feline gastroenteritis and has two gene groups (GVI and GVI). Fewer epidemiological studies have been conducted on FNoV. We designed two ELISAs to identify genogroup-specific FNoV antibodies for serological surveillance. Analysis of sera from cats experimentally infected with GIV/GVI FNoV and SPF cats confirmed that the two recombinant proteins react in a genogroup specific manner. Among 183 samples, GIV FNoV and GVI FNoV antibody-positive rates were 6.6 and 26.2%, respectively. The FNoV antibodies of both genogroups were detected in sera collected in 2005, seven years before the presence of FNoV was reported.