The influence of food matrices on aptamer selection by SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) targeting the norovirus P-Domain.

This study investigates the enrichment of aptamers targeting the norovirus protruding domain in the presence of foods often associated with norovirus outbreaks. The goal is to explore if and how the presence of food alters in vitro selection of aptamers and target binding of the enriched oligonucleotides. Our study demonstrates that the introduction of food to SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is either detrimental to enrichment of oligonucleotides with target-specific binding, or facilitates enrichment of non-target-specific oligonucleotides.

Detection and molecular characterization of norovirus from oysters implicated in outbreaks in the US.

Human noroviruses are the leading cause of non-bacterial shellfish associated gastroenteritis. Here we report on the detection and characterization of norovirus (NoV) in shellfish associated outbreaks. Requests were received from state and federal officials for technical assistance in the analysis of shellfish for NoV and male specific coliphage (MSC; an enteric virus surrogate) during the years 2009 thru 2014.

Molecular surveillance of enterovirus and norwalk-like virus in oysters relocated to a municipal-sewage-impacted gulf estuary.

An 18-month survey was conducted to examine the prevalence of enteric viruses and their relationship to indicators in environmentally polluted shellfish. Groups of oysters, one group per 4 weeks, were relocated to a coastal water area in the Gulf of Mexico that is impacted by municipal sewage and were analyzed for enteroviruses, Norwalk-like viruses (NLV), and indicator microorganisms (fecal coliform, Escherichia coli, and male-specific coliphages). The levels of indicator microorganisms were consistent with the expected continuous pollution of the area.