Male-specific (F) RNA bacteriophages have been proposed as indicators for human enteric viruses in shellfish. This study compared the use of Escherichia coli and FRNA bacteriophages to indicate the presence and level of noroviruses in Crassostrea gigas. A total of 167 samples from category A and B shellfish harvesting areas were analyzed for E. coli and FRNA bacteriophages by standard methods and for noroviruses (NoV) by using a previously described real-time PCR assay. FRNA bacteriophage and NoV levels in shellfish showed a seasonal trend and were elevated during the winter period (October through March). Conversely, E. coli levels did not reflect this seasonal trend. Categorizing samples on the basis of E. coli levels according to European Union regulatory limits failed to indicate the occurrence or level of NoV in shellfish. However, by grouping shellfish samples on the basis of FRNA bacteriophage levels a clear correlation was observed with NoV levels. The use of FRNA bacteriophages to predict the occurrence of NoV in shellfish could provide improved public health protection and should be considered when developing risk management procedures for shellfisheries.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-72.11.2358 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Virus surrogates throughout a full-scale advanced water reuse system.
Water Res
June 2024
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Block E1A, #07-03, No. 1 Engineering Drive 2 117576, Singapore.
Water reuse as an alternative water supply is increasing throughout the world due to water stress and scarcity; however, there are no standard practices for monitoring virus pathogens in such systems. This study aimed to identify suitable surrogates for virus fate, transport, and removal throughout a water reuse scheme. Various microbial targets (11 viruses, two phage, and three bacteria) were monitored using molecular and culture methods across all treatment stages in a wastewater reclamation facility and advanced water treatment facility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSolid-liquid distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in primary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant.
MethodsX
June 2024
Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Distributions of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and fecal viral biomarkers between solid and liquid phases of wastewater are largely unknown. Herein, distributions of SARS-CoV-2, Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), and F-RNA bacteriophage group II (FRNAPH-II) were determined by viral RNA RT-qPCR. Comparison of viral recovery using three conventional fractionation methods included membrane filtration, a combination of mid-speed centrifugation and membrane filtration, and high-speed centrifugation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudy of Shellfish Growing Area During Normal Harvesting Periods and Following Wastewater Overflows in an Urban Estuary With Complex Hydrography.
Food Environ Virol
March 2024
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5240, New Zealand.
Viral testing combined with hydrographic studies is considered standard good practice in determining microbiological impacts on shellfish growing areas following wastewater overflows. In this study, norovirus genogroup I and II, indicators of viral contamination (F-RNA bacteriophage genogroup II (F-RNA GII), crAssphage, pepper mild mottle virus) and Escherichia coli were monitored during periods of normal harvesting and following overflows in two commercial shellfish growing areas in Otago Harbour (Aotearoa New Zealand). Dye tracing, drogue tracking and analysis of particle tracking modelling were also undertaken to assess the dispersion, dilution and time of travel of wastewater discharged from a pump station discharge that impacts the growing areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFApplicability of F-specific bacteriophage subgroups, PMMoV and crAssphage as indicators of source specific fecal contamination and viral inactivation in rivers in Japan.
PLoS One
July 2023
Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu, Toyama, Japan.
To date, several microbes have been proposed as potential source-specific indicators of fecal pollution. 16S ribosomal RNA gene markers of the Bacteroidales species are the most widely applied due to their predominance in the water environment and source specificity. F-specific bacteriophage (FPH) subgroups, especially FRNA phage genogroups, are also known as potential source-specific viral indicators.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFApplication of crAssphage, F-RNA phage and pepper mild mottle virus as indicators of human faecal and norovirus contamination in shellfish.
Sci Total Environ
August 2021
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), Porirua 5240, New Zealand. Electronic address:
Shellfish growing waters contaminated with inadequately treated human wastewater is a major source of norovirus in shellfish and poses a significant human health risk to consumers. Microbial source tracking (MST) markers have been widely used to identify the source (s) of faecal contamination in water but data are limited on their use for shellfish safety. This study evaluated the source specificity, sensitivity, occurrence and concentration of three viral MST markers i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!