First Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Shellfish and in Seawater from Production Areas in Southern Italy

Food Environ Virol. 2018 Mar;10(1):127-131. doi: 10.1007/s12560-017-9319-z. Epub 2017 Sep 27.

Abstract

Shellfish samples (n = 384) from production areas, water samples from the same areas (n = 39) and from nearby sewage discharge points (n = 29) were analyzed for hepatitis E virus (HEV) by real-time and nested RT-PCR. Ten shellfish samples (2.6%) and five seawater samples (12.8%) tested positive for HEV; all characterized strains were G3 and showed high degree of sequence identity. An integrated surveillance in seafood and waters is relevant to reduce the risk of shellfish-associated illnesses.

Keywords: Genotype 3; HEV; Hepatitis E virus; Molluscs; Seawater; Shellfish.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aquaculture*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Food Contamination / analysis
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis E / virology*
  • Hepatitis E virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis E virus / growth & development*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • RNA, Viral / analysis*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Seawater / virology*
  • Sewage / virology*
  • Shellfish / virology*
  • Water Pollution / analysis

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Sewage