Work

Lack of evidence so far for Noroviruses in food samples collected on cruise ships sailing the Mediterranean waters

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Closed living spaces like cruise ship settings create an environment in which enteric viruses including Noroviruses (NoVs) can easily spread and outbreaks readily occur. The contribution of sources other than common confirmed vehicles to foodborne illness in cruise ships was investigated. None of the 189 collected samples (including meat, fish, buffet meals, fruits, vegetables etc.) tested by real-time RT-PCR (ISO/TS 15216-2:2013) reveled NoVs genome. Naturally contaminated food items other than shellfish have been demonstrated to be cause of NoVs infection thus, our results could neither indicate nor exclude food items as possible vehicle of infection. Reducing risk factors associated with NoVs outbreaks (contaminated raw ingredients, cross contamination, infected food handlers, inadequate temperature controls, heat treatments) is always strongly recommended.

Source: Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)

DOI: 10.5167/uzh-122073

Authors: Costanzo, N, Santoro, A, Peretti, V, Proroga, Y, Sarno, Elenora

Institutions: Magna Graecia University, University of Naples Federico II, University of Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2268008564