Prevalence of Norovirus, Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, and Rotavirus in Shellfish in South Korea

Introduction: The importance of foodborne viral infection is increasing worldwide because of the enormous economic and social loss of viral food poisoning. Foodborne viruses such as norovirus (NoV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), Rotavirus (RoV) are transmitted through water and food contaminated with stool.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of foodborne viruses in shellfish collected in South Korea using real-time RT-PCR.

Methods: The 152 shellfish samples (Oyster, Manila clam, and mussel) were obtained from the food suppliers for school meals and purchased at the local market in Kyounggi area from January, 2011 to November, 2011.Virus was eluted from the stomach and the digestive diverticula of shellfish using glycine and threonine buffer and concentrated with polyethylene glycol.  

Results: The detection rate of NoV genogroup I, NoV genogroup II, HAV, HEV, and RoV were 22%, 6%, 1%, 0%, and 0% of shellfish, respectively. Although geographic distribution of NoV was statistically significant, the seasonal variation of NoV was not prominent in this study.

Significance: Although the viability of foodborne viruses was not confirmed with the limitation of real-time RT-PCR and lacking of cultivation technique, monitoring data against foodborne viruses in shellfish may contribute to prevent the viral food poisoning in public health.