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Methods for Detecting Viruses in Foods: Background and General Principles 1
D O Cliver1, R D Ellender1, M D Sobsey1
1Food Research Institute, W.H.O. Collaborating Centre on Food Virology, and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706; Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401; and Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514.
Foodborne viruses like Hepatitis A are a health concern. Current detection methods using cell cultures are insufficient for key viruses, necessitating improved testing for safer food supplies.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Viruses, including Hepatitis A (HA) and viral gastroenteritis agents, can be transmitted through food.
- Bacterial indicators of fecal contamination poorly correlate with viral presence in foods.
- Certain foods like shellfish, fruits, vegetables, ground beef, and raw milk are of particular interest for viral contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for detecting viruses in various food types.
- To highlight the limitations of current virus detection techniques.
Main Methods:
- Current methods involve sample liquefaction, clarification, concentration, and inoculation of primate cell cultures.
- These methods require specialized equipment and careful inclusion of controls.
Main Results:
- Cell culture-based detection methods are inadequate for Hepatitis A virus and major foodborne gastroenteritis viruses.
- Bacterial indicators lack reliability for assessing viral contamination in food.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for improved and specific methods to detect foodborne viruses.
- Accurate virus detection is essential for ensuring food safety and public health.
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