What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Enteric viruses in bivalve molluscs (n=168). Primary outcome: Presence of classical and emerging pathogenic enteric viruses (NoV, HAV, HEV, AsV, AiV).

December 31, 2024Open Access

The Prevalence of Enteric Viruses in Bivalve Molluscs in a Farming Area in Liguria, Northwest Italy

CMChiara MasottiIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta LSLaura SerraccaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta ECErica CostaAzienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 3

Key Result

In 168 bivalve mollusc samples from Northwest Italy, norovirus was the most prevalent (32.7%), followed by aichi virus (19.6%) and astrovirus (18.4%), with no samples positive for HAV or HEV.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=168)

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Population

168 samples of bivalve molluscs (84 oysters, Crassostrea gigas, and 84 mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis) from a farming area in Liguria, Northwest Italy

Outcome

Presence and prevalence of classical and emerging pathogenic enteric viruses (NoV, HAV, HEV, AsV, AiV)

The study identified the presence of emerging enteric viruses like AiV and AsV in farmed bivalve molluscs in Northwest Italy, highlighting the need for improved surveillance.

Abstract

Bivalve molluscs are filter-feeding organisms, capable of concentrating pathogenic microorganisms from the surrounding environment, thus contributing to the spread of viral pathogens, which they can transmit to humans, especially if eaten raw or undercooked. Although norovirus (NoV) and the hepatitis A virus (HAV) are considered the most common causes of foodborne infections, in recent years, other viruses with a zoonotic potential have been identified in shellfish, such as the hepatitis E virus (HEV), astrovirus (AsV), and aichi virus (AiV). The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of classical and emerging pathogenic enteric viruses in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from a mollusc farming area in the northwest of Italy, between April 2022 and March 2023. In the period considered, a total of 168 samples (84 oysters and 84 mussels) were analysed. The prevalence of NoV was highest, with 32.7% (55/168) positive samples, followed by 18.4% (31/168) for AsV and 19.6% (33/168) for AiV. This study revealed, for the first time, the presence of AsV and AiV in molluscs farmed in this sea area. All the samples tested were negative for HAV and HEV. The emergence of new enteric viruses like AiV and AsV in bivalve molluscs underscores the importance of improving surveillance and environmental monitoring methods, particularly in shellfish production areas.

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