Norovirus Detection at Oualidia Lagoon, a Moroccan Shellfish Harvesting Area, by Reverse Transcription PCR Analysis

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Norovirus (NoV) is a primary cause of global viral gastroenteritis outbreaks.
• Bivalve shellfish consumption, especially raw or undercooked, frequently links to these outbreaks.
• Current Moroccan food safety regulations lack viral contamination assessment, despite linked outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Norovirus presence in bivalve shellfish from Oualidia lagoon, Morocco.
• To assess viral contamination risks in shellfish despite compliance with bacterial safety standards.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 104 shellfish samples from four Oualidia lagoon sites (November 2015 - February 2017).
• Real-time RT-PCR method (ISO 15216-2) used for Norovirus detection.

Main Results:

• Norovirus genogroup II detected in 7% of samples, exclusively during winter months.
• 71% of positive samples originated from upstream lagoon sites.
• Viral contamination detected in shellfish meeting existing bacterial safety criteria.

Conclusions:

• Regular viral monitoring of bivalve shellfish is crucial for preventing gastroenteritis outbreaks.
• Existing food safety regulations need enhancement to include viral detection.
• Upstream sites in Oualidia lagoon pose a higher risk for Norovirus contamination.