Development of a simple method for concentrating enteroviruses from oysters

Area of Science:

• Food safety and public health
• Virology
• Seafood microbiology

Background:

• Enteroviruses can contaminate oysters, posing a public health risk.
• Accurate detection of enteroviruses in oysters is crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and efficient method for concentrating enteroviruses from oyster tissues.
• To improve the recovery rate of enteroviruses from oysters for reliable detection.

Main Methods:

• Homogenized oyster tissues were used, with viruses absorbed to solids at pH 5.5 and low salt.
• Viruses were eluted from oyster solids using pH 3.5 glycine-buffered saline.
• Concentration was achieved through ultrafiltration, followed by filtration through a 0.2-micronm filter and inoculation into cell cultures.

Main Results:

• The developed method demonstrated efficient absorption and elution of enteroviruses.
• Virus recovery efficiency averaged 63% when tested with experimentally contaminated oysters.
• The method effectively removed bacteria and particulates without significant virus loss.

Conclusions:

• This simple method provides an efficient way to concentrate enteroviruses from oysters.
• The technique enhances the reliability of enterovirus detection in oyster samples.
• The findings contribute to improved seafood safety monitoring and public health protection.