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Di Maro O, Proroga YT, Castellano S, Balestrieri A, Capuano F, Arletti E, Vietina M, Bizzarri M, Murru N, Peruzy MF, Cristiano D. Detection of pathogenic Vibrio spp. in foods: polymerase chain reaction-based screening strategy to rapidly detect pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio vulnificus in bivalve mollusks and preliminary results. Ital J Food Saf 2024; 13:11635. [PMID: 38623280 PMCID: PMC11017957 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2024.11635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of human diseases attributed to seafood are caused by Vibrio spp., and the most commonly reported species are Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae. The conventional methods for the detection of Vibrio species involve the use of selective media, which are inexpensive and simple but time-consuming. The present work aimed to develop a rapid method based on the use of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. cholerae in bivalve mollusks. 30 aliquots of bivalve mollusks (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were experimentally inoculated with two levels of V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. cholerae. ISO 21872-1:2017 was used in parallel for qualitative analysis. The limit of detection of 50% was 7.67 CFU/g for V. cholerae, 0.024 CFU/g for V. vulnificus, and 1.36 CFU/g for V. parahaemolyticus. For V. vulnificus and V. cholerae, the real-time PCR protocol was demonstrated to amplify the pathogens in samples seeded with the lowest and highest levels. The molecular method evaluated showed a concordance rate of 100% with the reference microbiological method. V. parahaemolyticus was never detected in samples contaminated with the lowest level, and it was detected in 14 samples (93.33%) seeded with the highest concentration. In conclusion, the developed multiplex real-time PCR proved to be reliable for V. vulnificus and V. cholerae. Results for V. parahaemolyticus are promising, but further analysis is needed. The proposed method could represent a quick monitoring tool and, if used, would allow the implementation of food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlandina Di Maro
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
| | - Yolande T.R. Proroga
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
| | - Silvia Castellano
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
| | - Anna Balestrieri
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
| | | | | | | | - Nicoletta Murru
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Peruzy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Daniela Cristiano
- Department of Food Inspection, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici
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Mancusi A, Capuano F, Girardi S, Di Maro O, Suffredini E, Di Concilio D, Vassallo L, Cuomo MC, Tafuro M, Signorelli D, Pierri A, Pizzolante A, Cerino P, La Rosa G, Proroga YTR, Pierri B. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Bivalve Mollusks by Droplet Digital RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:943. [PMID: 35055765 PMCID: PMC8776039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bivalve shellfish are readily contaminated by human pathogens present in waters impacted by municipal sewage, and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in feces of infected patients and in wastewater has drawn attention to the possible presence of the virus in bivalves. The aim of this study was to collect data on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in bivalve mollusks from harvesting areas of Campania region. A total of 179 samples were collected between September 2019 and April 2021 and were tested using droplet digital RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR. Combining results obtained with different assays, SARS-CoV-2 presence was detected in 27/179 (15.1%) of samples. A median viral concentration of 1.1 × 102 and 1.4 × 102 g.c./g was obtained using either Orf1b nsp14 or RdRp/gene E, respectively. Positive results were unevenly distributed among harvesting areas and over time, positive samples being more frequent after January 2021. Partial sequencing of the spike region was achieved for five samples, one of which displaying mutations characteristic of the Alpha variant (lineage B.1.1.7). This study confirms that bivalve mollusks may bioaccumulate SARS-CoV-2 to detectable levels and that they may represent a valuable approach to track SARS-CoV-2 in water bodies and to monitor outbreak trends and viral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Santa Girardi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Orlandina Di Maro
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Denise Di Concilio
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Lucia Vassallo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Maria Concetta Cuomo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Maria Tafuro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Daniel Signorelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Andrea Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Antonio Pizzolante
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (D.D.C.); (L.V.); (M.C.C.); (M.T.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (B.P.)
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La Rosa G, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Iaconelli M, Veneri C, Paradiso R, De Medici D, Vicenza T, Proroga YTR, Di Maro O, Ciccaglione AR, Bruni R, Equestre M, Taffon S, Costantino A, Della Rotonda M, Suffredini E. Hepatitis A Virus Strains Circulating in the Campania Region (2015-2018) Assessed through Bivalve Biomonitoring and Environmental Surveillance. Viruses 2020; 13:v13010016. [PMID: 33374859 PMCID: PMC7824067 DOI: 10.3390/v13010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic diversity of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) circulating in the Campania Region in years 2015–2018 was investigated through the monitoring of sentinel bivalve shellfish and water matrices. Overall, 463 water samples (71 sewage samples, 353 coastal discharge waters, and 39 seawaters samples), and 746 bivalve shellfish samples were analyzed. Positivity for HAV was detected in 20/71 sewage samples, 14/353 coastal discharge waters, 5/39 seawaters, and 102/746 bivalve shellfish. Sixty-one of the positive samples were successfully sequenced and were characterized as genotype IA (n = 50) and IB (n = 11). The prevalent strain circulating in 2015 in both bivalves and waters was the IA strain responsible for the outbreak occurring around the same time in the Naples area. This variant was no longer identified in subsequent years (2017–2018) when, instead, appeared two of the IA variants of the multistate outbreak affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), VRD_521_2016, and RIVM-HAV16–090, with the former prevailing in both shellfish and water environments. HAV IB isolates were detected over the years in shellfish and in water matrices, but not in clinical samples, suggesting that this genotype had been circulating silently. An integrated surveillance system (environment/food/clinical cases) can be a useful tool to monitor changes in viral variants in the population, as well as an early warning system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Giusy Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosa Paradiso
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.L.R.); (P.M.); (G.B.F.); (M.I.); (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Dario De Medici
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.V.)
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.V.)
| | - Yolande Therese Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (Y.T.R.P.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Orlandina Di Maro
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (Y.T.R.P.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Department of Infectious Diseases, NRL for Human Viral Hepatitis, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.); (M.E.); (S.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, NRL for Human Viral Hepatitis, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.); (M.E.); (S.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Michele Equestre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, NRL for Human Viral Hepatitis, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.); (M.E.); (S.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Stefania Taffon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, NRL for Human Viral Hepatitis, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.); (M.E.); (S.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Costantino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, NRL for Human Viral Hepatitis, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.); (M.E.); (S.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Maurizio Della Rotonda
- Executive Task Force Prevention and Veterinary Public Health, Region Campania, 80132 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4990-2477
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Montone AMI, Capuano F, Mancusi A, Di Maro O, Peruzy MF, Proroga YTR, Cristiano D. Exposure to Bacillus cereus in Water Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese. Foods 2020; 9:E1899. [PMID: 33352642 PMCID: PMC7766095 DOI: 10.3390/foods9121899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is a spoilage bacterium and is recognized as an agent of food poisoning. Two food-borne illnesses are caused by B. cereus: a diarrheal disease, associated with cytotoxin K, hemolysin BL, non-hemolytic enterotoxin and enterotoxin FM, and an emetic syndrome, associated with the cereulide toxin. Owing to the heat resistance of B. cereus and its ability to grow in milk, this organism should be considered potentially hazardous in dairy products. The present study assessed the risk of B. cereus poisoning due to the consumption of water buffalo mozzarella cheese. A total of 340 samples were analyzed to determine B. cereus counts (ISO 7932:2005); isolates underwent molecular characterization to detect the presence of genes encoding toxins. Eighty-nine (26.1%) samples harbored B. cereus strains, with values ranging from 2.2 × 102 to 2.6 × 106 CFU/g. Isolates showed eight different molecular profiles, and some displayed virulence characteristics. Bacterial counts and the toxin profiles of isolates were evaluated both separately and jointly to assess the risk of enteritis due to B. cereus following the consumption of buffalo mozzarella cheese. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the risk of poisoning by B. cereus following the consumption of this cheese was moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Michela Immacolata Montone
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Orlandina Di Maro
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria Francesca Peruzy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Cristiano
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy; (A.M.I.M.); (F.C.); (A.M.); (O.D.M.); (D.C.)
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Montone AMI, De Sabato L, Suffredini E, Alise M, Zaccherini A, Volzone P, Di Maro O, Neola B, Capuano F, Di Bartolo I. Occurrence of HEV-RNA in Italian Regional Pork and Wild Boar Food Products. Food Environ Virol 2019; 11:420-426. [PMID: 31512058 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an emerging threat in industrialized countries. The foodborne transmission linked to consumption of pork and game meat is considered the main source of autochthonous infection. In Europe, small outbreaks have been reported linked to the consumption of pork liver sausages and wild boar meat. Based on previous findings and on increasing evidence of pork and game meat as a vehicle for HEV infections, the present study investigated the occurrence of HEV in 99 pork and 63 wild boar sausages and salami sold in Southern Italy. The HEV genome was detected in four wild boar sausages. Sequencing from 2 wild boar sausages confirmed that the HEV strains detected belonged to HEV-3 genotype, not assigned to any defined subtype. Data obtained confirmed the possible occurrence of HEV in pork products and in game. Although the detection rate is low, these products are frequently consumed raw after curing, whose effect on virus viability is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mosè Alise
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaccherini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Palmiero Volzone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Orlandina Di Maro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Benedetto Neola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Suffredini E, Proroga YTR, Di Pasquale S, Di Maro O, Losardo M, Cozzi L, Capuano F, De Medici D. Occurrence and Trend of Hepatitis A Virus in Bivalve Molluscs Production Areas Following a Contamination Event. Food Environ Virol 2017; 9:423-433. [PMID: 28452010 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9302-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the trend of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a coastal zone impacted by a contamination event, providing data for the development of management strategies. A total of 352 samples, including four bivalve mollusc species (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Solen vagina, Venus gallina and Donax trunculus), were taken over a period of 6 months from 27 production areas of the coast and analysis were performed according to ISO/TS 15216-1:2013. HAV presence was detected in 77 samples from 11 production areas and all positive results were related to samples collected in the first 3 months of the surveillance, during which HAV prevalence was 39.9% and values as high as 5096 genome copies/g were detected. A progressive reduction of viral contamination was evident during the first trimester of the monitoring, with prevalence decreasing from 78.8% in the first month, to 37.8% in the second and 3.9% in the third and quantitative levels reduced from an average value of 672 genome copies/g to 255 genome copies/g over a period of 4 weeks (virus half-life: 21.5 days). A regression analysis showed that, during the decreasing phase of the contamination, the data fitted a reciprocal quadratic model (Ra2 = 0.921) and, based on the model, a residual presence of HAV could be estimated after negativization of the production areas. The statistical analysis of the results per shellfish species and per production area showed that there were limited differences in contamination prevalence and levels among diverse bivalve species, while a statistically significant difference was present in quantitative levels of one production area. These data could be useful for the development of both risk assessment models and code of practice for the management of viral contamination in primary production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Inspection, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Di Pasquale
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Orlandina Di Maro
- Department of Food Inspection, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Losardo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cozzi
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Inspection, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario De Medici
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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