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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
10:03
Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces
Published on: February 6, 2017
Norovirus in retail shellfish.
V Terio1, V Martella, P Moschidou
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. v.terio@veterinaria.uniba.it
Food Microbiology
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Genogroup II noroviruses were detected in 12.1% of bivalve molluscs sold in Apulia, Italy, between 2005-2008. Detection rates varied by retail type, with open-air markets and fish shops showing higher prevalence than hypermarkets.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Public health microbiology
- Viral gastroenteritis
Background:
- Norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illness and gastroenteritis outbreaks globally.
- Genogroup II (GII) noroviruses are responsible for the majority of human infections.
- Raw shellfish, particularly bivalve molluscs, are common vehicles for norovirus transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of genogroup II noroviruses in bivalve molluscs at retail points in Apulia, Italy.
- To characterize the circulating norovirus strains through sequence analysis.
- To assess potential differences in contamination rates across various retail settings.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of bivalve molluscs (mussels, clams, oysters) from retail outlets in Apulia, Italy (2005-2008).
- Screening for noroviral RNA using a semi-nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for GII noroviruses.
- Sequence analysis for strain characterization.
Main Results:
- Noroviral RNA was detected in 12.1% of the sampled bivalve molluscs.
- Contamination frequency was higher in open-air markets (17.6%) and fish shops (16.2%) compared to hypermarkets (8.1%).
- Identified strains belonged to GII.4/2004 and GII.b/Hilversum variants, both circulating in Italy during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Bivalve molluscs sold at retail represent a potential source of norovirus (GII) exposure in Apulia, Italy.
- Retail setting influences norovirus contamination levels in shellfish.
- Monitoring shellfish for norovirus contamination is crucial for public health protection.
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