Five‐Year Molecular Surveillance Reveals Widespread Foodborne Enteric Viruses in Bivalve Mollusks From Golfo Nuevo, Argentina

The present investigation conducted a 5‐year longitudinal survey (August 2018–March 2023) of enteric viruses in bivalve mollusks ( n = 390) collected from Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Samples were processed following ISO 15216‐1:2017 guidelines. Norovirus genogroups I/II (NoV GI/GII), rotavirus A (RVA), hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses, and adenovirus (AdV) were detected and quantified by RT‐qPCR/qPCR, genotyped, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. At least one virus was detected in 40.7% of composite samples. AdV exhibited the highest prevalence (56.6%), while NoV GII and RVA were detected in 12.4% of samples; HEV and HAV were detected in 5.3% and 4.4%, respectively, and NoV GI was not detected. Mean viral loads ranged from 4.8 to 6.3 log10 genomic copies/g of bivalve mollusks. Temporal trends revealed a significant decline in detection post‐pandemic for RVA, NoV GII, and HAV, while AdV and HEV rates remained stable. Genotyping identified pandemic variant NoV GII.4[P16], RVA G8P[1], HAV IA, and AdV A31. These results provide the first comprehensive baseline of enteric virus contamination in Patagonian shellfish. Routine virus monitoring and evidence‐based control measures are therefore imperative to safeguard public health and to align Argentine bivalve mollusks with international safety standards.