14th ICID - Poster Abstracts - International Society for Infectious ...

When citing these abstracts please use the following reference:
Author(s) of abstract. Title of abstract [abstract]. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14S1: Abstract number.
Please note that the official publication of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010, Volume 14, Supplement 1
is available electronically on http://www.sciencedirect.com
Final Abstract Number: 26.006
Session: Foodborne Diseases and Outbreaks
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Time: 12:30-13:30
Room: Poster & Exhibition Area/Ground Level
Type: Poster Presentation
Detection of human enteric viruses in shellfish, vegetables, waters and environmental samples: a
preliminary study
V. Cannella 1 , G. Purpari 1 , A. Ferrari 2 , A. Migliazzo 1 , P. Di Marco 1 , A. Guercio 1
1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy, Italy, 2 Istituto Zooprofilattico
Sperimentale del Piemonte,Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, Genoa, IT, Italy
Background: Human enteric viruses contaminations of foods destined for human use, as
shellfish, vegetables and waters, are considered a Public Health problem. Many epidemiological
studies show that Adenoviruses, HAV (Hepatitis A Virus) and Norovirus gastrointestinal infections
are increasing in industrialized countries. These viruses are largely excreted in feces and show a
high resistance in the environment. Environment pollution can occur in many manners. However
one of the major source is represented by the personal hygiene of food-handlers and consumers.
Moreover, filter-feeder organisms such as mussels are bio-accumulators of viruses in waters.
Thus, undercooked shellfish consumption involves sanitary risk. Irrigation and fertilization of fields
with sewage may externally contaminate vegetables and fruits. In order to warrant an high level of
food safety, European Commission, introduced the concept of ”HACCP” (Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points). This rule (EC 178/2002) provides for bacteria quantitative limits and
analytical methods only. Viral detection methods and limits are being studied. Recently, the
Environmental Protection Agency has included Adenovirus into the “Contamination Candidate
List” among the microorganisms to monitor to warrant foods and environment health. Aim of this
study is to improve knowledge about Adenovirus, Norovirus and HAV diffusion in shellfishes,
vegetables, waters and environmental swabs samples.
Methods: Specimens were collected from food-production centers, hospitals, military and school
canteens from January 2008 to October 2009. They were tested through biomolecular methods
(Nested RT-PCR, Nested PCR and sequencing) and virus isolation in cell lines (A549 and FrhK-
4).
Results: 19 samples of a total of 270 tested, resulted positives by Nested PCR for Adenovirus
and 4 of them were positive also for virus isolation in A549 cell lines. Only one mussel sample
was positive through Nested RT-PCR for HAV and negative by virus isolation into FrhK4.
Sequence analysis confirmed the results and showed the presence of Adenovirus serotype 2 and
41.
Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that Adenovirus serotypes 2 and 41 are the
most frequent contaminants and their role as indicators of viral environmental contaminations.