Comparison between quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR results for norovirus in oysters and self-reported gastroenteric illness in restaurant customers.
J Food Prot
; 73(2): 305-11, 2010 Feb.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20132676
ABSTRACT
Norovirus is the principal agent of bivalve shellfish-associated gastroenteric illness worldwide. Numerous studies using PCR have demonstrated norovirus contamination in a significant proportion of both oyster and other bivalve shellfish production areas and ready-to-eat products. By comparison, the number of epidemiologically confirmed shellfish-associated outbreaks is relatively low. This study attempts to compare norovirus RNA detection in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and human health risk. Self-reported customer complaints of illness in a restaurant setting (screened for credible norovirus symptoms) were compared with presence and levels of norovirus as determined by real-time RT-PCR for the batch of oysters consumed. No illness was reported for batches consistently negative for norovirus by real-time RT-PCR. However, norovirus was detected in some batches for which no illness was reported. Overall presence or absence of norovirus showed a significant association with illness complaints. In addition, the batch with the highest norovirus RNA levels also resulted in the highest rate of reported illness, suggesting a linkage between virus RNA levels and health risks. This study suggests that detection of high levels of norovirus RNA in oysters is indicative of a significantly elevated health risk. However, illness may not necessarily be reported after detection of norovirus RNA at low levels.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Fruits de mer
/
Contamination des aliments
/
RT-PCR
/
Norovirus
/
Crassostrea
Type d'étude:
Diagnostic_studies
Limites:
Animals
/
Humans
Langue:
En
Journal:
J Food Prot
Année:
2010
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Royaume-Uni