Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
11:29
Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses
Published on: December 3, 2011
11.6K
Enteric porcine viruses in farmed shellfish in Denmark
J S Krog1, L E Larsen2, A C Schultz3
1National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, 2860, Søborg Denmark.
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|July 13, 2014
Summary
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was detected in Danish blue mussels, indicating potential contamination from porcine waste. PCV2 may serve as a more sensitive indicator of porcine contamination in shellfish harvesting areas than E. coli.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Veterinary microbiology
- Environmental monitoring
Background:
- Bivalve shellfish can accumulate pathogens from contaminated waters, posing risks to human health.
- Consumption of contaminated shellfish is linked to outbreaks of norovirus, hepatitis A virus, and other zoonotic diseases.
- Porcine pathogens like hepatitis E virus (HEV), rotavirus (RV), and Salmonella can contaminate shellfish through animal waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of specific porcine pathogens and indicator bacteria in commercial Danish blue mussels.
- To evaluate the potential of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as a specific indicator of porcine waste in shellfish harvesting areas.
Main Methods:
- Testing of 29 pooled samples of Danish blue mussels.
- Analysis for HEV, RV, Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).
Main Results:
- All samples were negative for HEV, RV, and Salmonella.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) was detected in 8 samples.
- Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was detected in 12 samples, marking the first report of PCV2 in commercial mussels.
- PCV2 was found in areas with low E. coli prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The study identified PCV2 in commercial mussels, highlighting a potential route for porcine waste contamination.
- PCV2 shows promise as a more sensitive and specific indicator of porcine waste in shellfish environments compared to E. coli.
- Further monitoring of PCV2 in shellfish harvesting areas is recommended for enhanced food safety and environmental assessment.
