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Norovirus contamination found in oysters worldwide
Peter K C Cheng1, Derek K K Wong, Thomas W H Chung
1Virology Division, Public Health Laboratory Centre, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Journal of Medical Virology
|June 25, 2005
Summary
Norovirus contamination is widespread in oysters globally, with 10.5% of tested samples positive. This study found novel norovirus strains, highlighting oysters as potential vehicles for introducing new viral strains.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne pathogens
- Virology
- Public health
Background:
- Noroviruses (Norwalk-like viruses) are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis globally.
- Oyster consumption is frequently linked to norovirus outbreaks.
- Global surveillance of norovirus in imported oysters is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen imported oysters for norovirus contamination over a three-year period.
- To identify norovirus strains and novel genetic clusters in oysters.
- To assess the utility of RT-PCR in linking oyster contamination to human gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect norovirus RNA.
- Oysters imported into Hong Kong from 11 countries were analyzed.
- Thirteen norovirus outbreak investigations involving oysters were conducted.
Main Results:
- 10.5% (53/507) of oyster samples tested positive for norovirus RNA.
- A diverse range of norovirus strains were detected, including two novel genetic clusters.
- Norovirus RNA was found in oysters from six outbreaks, but only one outbreak showed a clear molecular link between patient and oyster strains.
Conclusions:
- Norovirus contamination is a global issue in oysters, with potential for novel strain introduction.
- RT-PCR can detect norovirus in implicated oysters but has limitations in establishing direct epidemiological links.
- Oysters represent a significant food vehicle for the global dissemination of noroviruses.