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Peng L, Yang F, Shi J, Pan L, Liu Y, Mao D, Luo Y. Molecular characterization of human bocavirus in municipal wastewaters using amplicon target sequencing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170674. [PMID: 38316309 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Human bocavirus (HBoV) is an emerging health concern worldwide, associated with range of clinical manifestations, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend and minimize their prevalence in different systems. In this study, we conducted regular sampling throughout the year in two different sizes and work processes of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Tianjin, China. Our objective was to investigate the occurrence, prevalence, and endurance of HBoV in wastewater, while also evaluating the efficacy of amplicon target sequencing in directly detecting HBoV in wastewater. At two WWTPs, HBoV2 (45.51 %-45.67 %) and HBoV3 (38.30 %-40.25 %) were the most common genotypes identified, and the mean concentration range of HBoV was 2.54-7.40 log10 equivalent copies/l as determined by multiplex real-time quantitative PCR assay. A positive rate of HBoV was found in 96.6 % (29/30) samples of A-WWTP, and 96.6 % (26/27) samples of B-WWTP. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the nucleotide similarity between the HBoV DNA sequences to the reference HBoV sequences published globally ranged from 90.14 %-100 %. A significant variation in the read abundance of HBoV2 and HBoV3 in two wastewater treatment plants (p < 0.05) was detected, specifically in the Winter and Summer seasons. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the genotypes detected in wastewater and the clinical data across various regions in China. In addition, it is worth mentioning that HBoV4 was exclusively detected in wastewater and not found in the clinical samples from patients. This study highlights the high prevalence of human bocavirus in municipal wastewater. This finding illustrates that amplicon target sequencing can amplify a wide variety of viruses, enabling the identification of newly discovered viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fengxia Yang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Jingliang Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liuzhu Pan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Daqing Mao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yi Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing university, Nanjing 210093, China.
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de Faria Gonçalves A, Anjos D, de Oliveira Peixoto FA, Franco FC, Silva-Sales M, Fiaccadori FS, Porto PS, Souza M. Bocaparvovirus in infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit in Midwest Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022). Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:315-322. [PMID: 38019412 PMCID: PMC10920594 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human bocaparvoviruses (HBoVs) belong to the Parvoviridae family, being currently classified into four species (HBoV1-4). These viruses have been found in association with respiratory and gastroenteric symptoms, as well as in asymptomatic individuals. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of HBoVs in infants under 5 months old admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic (between March 2021 and March 2022). Clinical samples (nasopharyngeal swab, serum, stool, and urine) were screened by qPCR TaqMan. The HBoV was detected in samples of 31.6% (12/38) of participants. The most frequent alteration among the HBoV-positive neonates was the chest X-ray with interstitial infiltrate, followed by tachycardia and vomiting. Viral DNA was detected in more than one type of clinical sample in three of the participants in association with respiratory symptoms. Two participants had positive stool samples with or without enteric symptoms. HBoV intermittent and continuous positivity patterns were observed. The present study stands out for the prospective evaluation of positivity for HBoV in different types of clinical samples from a population of hospitalized infants. Our data supports circulation of HBoV in nosocomial environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Faria Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | - Déborah Anjos
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Craveiro Franco
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | - Marcelle Silva-Sales
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Souza Fiaccadori
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | - Pedro Soares Porto
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil
| | - Menira Souza
- Laboratório de Virologia e Cultivo Celular, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Sala 420, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia, Goiás, 74605050, Brazil.
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Desdouits M, Reynaud Y, Philippe C, Guyader FSL. A Comprehensive Review for the Surveillance of Human Pathogenic Microorganisms in Shellfish. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2218. [PMID: 37764063 PMCID: PMC10537662 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bivalve molluscan shellfish have been consumed for centuries. Being filter feeders, they may bioaccumulate some microorganisms present in coastal water, either naturally or through the discharge of human or animal sewage. Despite regulations set up to avoid microbiological contamination in shellfish, human outbreaks still occur. After providing an overview showing their implication in disease, this review aims to highlight the diversity of the bacteria or enteric viruses detected in shellfish species, including emerging pathogens. After a critical discussion of the available methods and their limitations, we address the interest of technological developments using genomics to anticipate the emergence of pathogens. In the coming years, further research needs to be performed and methods need to be developed in order to design the future of surveillance and to help risk assessment studies, with the ultimate objective of protecting consumers and enhancing the microbial safety of bivalve molluscan shellfish as a healthy food.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Françoise S. Le Guyader
- Ifremer, Unité Microbiologie Aliment Santé et Environnement, RBE/LSEM, 44311 Nantes, France; (M.D.); (Y.R.); (C.P.)
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do Nascimento LG, Sarmento SK, Leonardo R, Gutierrez MB, Malta FC, de Oliveira JM, Guerra CR, Coutinho R, Miagostovich MP, Fumian TM. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Enteric Viruses in Bivalve Mollusks Collected in Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112359. [PMID: 36366459 PMCID: PMC9695388 DOI: 10.3390/v14112359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral bivalve contamination is a recognized food safety hazard. Therefore, this study investigated the detection rates, seasonality, quantification, and genetic diversity of enteric viruses in bivalve samples (mussels and oysters). We collected 97 shellfish samples between March 2018 and February 2020. The screening of samples by qPCR or RT-qPCR revealed the detection of norovirus (42.3%), rotavirus A (RVA; 16.5%), human adenovirus (HAdV; 24.7%), and human bocavirus (HBoV; 13.4%). There was no detection of hepatitis A virus. In total, 58.8% of shellfish samples tested positive for one or more viruses, with 42.1% of positive samples contaminated with two or more viruses. Norovirus showed the highest median viral load (3.3 × 106 GC/g), followed by HAdV (median of 3.5 × 104 GC/g), RVA (median of 1.5 × 103 GC/g), and HBoV (median of 1.3 × 103 GC/g). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that norovirus strains belonged to genotype GII.12[P16], RVA to genotype I2, HAdV to types -C2, -C5, and -F40, and HBoV to genotypes -1 and -2. Our results demonstrate the viral contamination of bivalves, emphasizing the need for virological monitoring programs to ensure the quality and safety of shellfish for human consumption and as a valuable surveillance tool to monitor emerging viruses and novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Gonçalves do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sylvia Kahwage Sarmento
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael Leonardo
- Laboratory of Viral Morphology and Morphogenesis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Meylin Bautista Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fábio Correia Malta
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Mendes de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Caroline Rezende Guerra
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Marine Biotechnology, Sea Studies Institute Admiral Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo 28930-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Coutinho
- Laboratory of Marine Genetics, Department of Marine Biotechnology, Sea Studies Institute Admiral Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo 28930-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marize Pereira Miagostovich
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tulio Machado Fumian
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2562-1817
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Booranathawornsom T, Pombubpa K, Tipayamongkholgul M, Kittigul L. Molecular characterization of human bocavirus in recycled water and sewage sludge in Thailand. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 100:105276. [PMID: 35367361 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the presence and molecular characterization of human bocavirus (HBoV) in recycled water and sewage sludge samples in Thailand. One hundred and two recycled water and eighty-six sewage sludge samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant were tested for the presence of HBoV using nested PCR with broad-range primer pairs targeting the capsid proteins VP1 and VP2. HBoV DNA was detected in recycled water of 9/102 (8.8%) samples and sewage sludge of 27/86 (31.4%) samples. Based on DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the HBoV DNA sequences had 98.8-100.0% nucleotide identity to the sequences from HBoV reported globally. Thirty-five HBoV-positive samples were identified to genotypes as the predominant HBoV2; 26 followed by HBoV3; 8 and the rare HBoV4; 1 sample. Concerning recycled water, HBoV2 was detected in 3 (2.9%) and HBoV3 was detected in 5 (4.9%) of all samples. The sewage sludge samples were characterized as HBoV2 in 23 (26.7%), HBoV3 in 3 (3.5%) and HBoV4 in 1 (1.2%) of all samples. The frequency of HBoV detected in recycled water and sewage sludge samples significantly differed in sample type (p-value = 0.007). The findings of three HBoV genotypes in recycled water and sewage sludge emphasized the circulation of the virus in the environment and the potential source of transmission to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitiya Booranathawornsom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kannika Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Leera Kittigul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Stobnicka-Kupiec A, Gołofit-Szymczak M, Cyprowski M, Górny RL. Detection and identification of potentially infectious gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses at workplaces of wastewater treatment plants with viability qPCR/RT-qPCR. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4517. [PMID: 35296727 PMCID: PMC8924946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the prevalence of the most common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses in the air, surface swab, and influent/effluent samples collected in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Application of qPCR/RT-qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction/reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction) assays combined with PMA (propidium monoazide) dye pretreatment allowed detecting the potentially infectious and disintegrated viral particles in collected samples. In the air at workplaces in WWTPs, the most frequent isolation with the highest concentrations (reaching up to 103 gc/m3 of potentially infectious intact viral particles) were observed in case of adenoviruses (AdVs) and rotaviruses (RoVs), followed by noroviruses (NoVs). Viruses were significantly more often detected in the air samples collected with Coriolis μ impinger, than with MAS-100NT impactor. The temperature negatively (Spearman correlation: –1 < R < 0; p < 0.05), while RH (relative humidity) positively (0 < R < 1; p < 0.05) affected airborne concentrations of potentially infectious viral particles. In turn, the predominant viruses on studied surfaces were RoVs and noroviruses GII (NoV GII) with concentrations of potentially infectious virions up to 104 gc/100 cm2. In the cases of SARS-CoV-2 and presumptive SARS-CoV-2 or other coronaviruses, their concentrations reached up to 103 gc/100 cm2. The contamination level of steel surfaces in WWTPs was similar to this on plastic ones. This study revealed that the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses at workplaces in WWTPs is important for proper exposure assessment and needs to be included in risk management in occupational environment with high abundance of microbial pollutants derived from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Stobnicka-Kupiec
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Gołofit-Szymczak
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Cyprowski
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał L Górny
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16 Street, Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Human bocavirus (HBoV) has been recognized as one of the common pathogens which cause respiratory disease and acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Recently, our studies reported the detection of HBoV in children with acute gastroenteritis and in oysters in Thailand. However, studies on the presence of HBoV in environmental waters in Thailand have not yet been conducted. In this study, 126 environmental water samples collected from November 2016 to July 2018 were investigated. Detection of HBoV was based on amplification of the VP1/VP2 region of the HBoV genome by nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. HBoV was detected in 34 out of 126 samples (27.0%). All four HBoV genotypes, HBoV1 to HBoV4, were detected. HBoV2 was the most frequently detected genotype (61.8%), followed by HBoV1 (23.5%), HBoV4 (8.8%), and HBoV3 (5.9%). The highest detection rate of HBoV was observed during the warmest months in Thailand: April 2017 and March 2018. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1/VP2 nucleotide sequences of HBoV genotypes revealed that all four of the genotypes detected in environmental waters were closely related to genotypes detected in patients with acute gastroenteritis, which had been reported previously in the same geographical area. This study reports the existence of multiple HBoV genotypes in environmental waters and provides evidence of a considerably high magnitude of HBoV contamination in these waters. These findings demonstrate the potential risk of waterborne transmission of HBoV to humans. IMPORTANCE Recently, we reported the detection of HBoV genotypes 1, 2, and 3 in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis, and the detection of HBoV1 and 2 in oysters in Thailand. In this study, we reported the detection of HBoV1, 2, 3, and 4 contamination in environmental waters within the same geographic area. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the HBoV genotypes detected in environmental waters and in oysters were closely related to HBoV detected in patients. These findings imply that HBoV contamination in oysters and in environmental waters could be a potential sources of foodborne and waterborne transmission to humans.
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Predominance of Human Bocavirus Genotypes 1 and 2 in Oysters in Thailand. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0045621. [PMID: 34047634 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00456-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human bocavirus (HBoV) has been recognized as an important pathogen that causes respiratory infection and acute gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. HBoV is most likely transmitted by the respiratory route and by fecal-oral transmission. Recently, HBoV has been detected in several types of environmental water and in bivalve shellfish. However, study of the existence of HBoV in oysters is still undocumented in Thailand. In this study, 144 oyster samples collected from different markets in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2017 and 2018 were investigated for the presence of HBoV by nested PCR and sequencing. HBoV was detected in 11 out of 144 samples (7.6%). Nine HBoV-positive samples (81.8%) were identified as genotype 1 (HBoV1) and two (18.2%) as HBoV2. A monthly investigation of HBoV in oyster samples from July 2017 to June 2018 showed that HBoV was sporadically detected in particular months spanning the rainy and colder season, with a peak in January. This study demonstrates the presence and genotype diversity of HBoV in oyster samples in Thailand. The findings contribute to evaluating the risk of foodborne transmission of HBoV and to monitoring outbreaks of HBoV in Thailand and in other countries. IMPORTANCE Human bocavirus is recognized as an important cause of respiratory infection and of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Human bocavirus has been widely detected in many clinical specimens, as well as in several types of environmental samples. Most previous studies describe the incidence of bocavirus infection in humans, whereas few data are available for the occurrence of human bocavirus in food materials, particularly that in bivalve shellfish. Our findings provide evidence for the existence and prevalence of human bocavirus in oysters, suggesting that further monitoring of the potential risk of food- and waterborne transmission of this virus to humans should be undertaken.
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González N, Marquès M, Domingo JL. Respiratory viruses in foods and their potential transmission through the diet: A review of the literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110826. [PMID: 33529649 PMCID: PMC7963685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are the main agents causing respiratory tract diseases. Nowadays, coronaviruses - and specifically, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 - are the principal responsible for the major epidemic outbreaks of the 21st century. The major routes of transmission for respiratory viruses - including coronaviruses - are via direct and indirect contacts. However, transmission through contaminated foods has not been extensively assessed. The present paper was aimed at reviewing scientific data on the transmission of respiratory viruses through potentially contaminated foods. While the current data seem to suggest that this route of transmission is not likely to occur, in order to increase the knowledge on this issue further investigations are still clearly necessary for a more complete prevention of the risks. Studies should include fresh produce and cooked foods. Anyway, prevention measures and good hygienic practices for both consumers and workers are mandatory when handling and cooking foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus González
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Upfold NS, Luke GA, Knox C. Occurrence of Human Enteric Viruses in Water Sources and Shellfish: A Focus on Africa. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:1-31. [PMID: 33501612 PMCID: PMC7837882 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses are a diverse group of human pathogens which are primarily transmitted by the faecal-oral route and are a major cause of non-bacterial diarrhoeal disease in both developed and developing countries. Because they are shed in high numbers by infected individuals and can persist for a long time in the environment, they pose a serious threat to human health globally. Enteric viruses end up in the environment mainly through discharge or leakage of raw or inadequately treated sewage into water sources such as springs, rivers, dams, or marine estuaries. Human exposure then follows when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or recreation and, importantly, when filter-feeding bivalve shellfish are consumed. The human health hazard posed by enteric viruses is particularly serious in Africa where rapid urbanisation in a relatively short period of time has led to the expansion of informal settlements with poor sanitation and failing or non-existent wastewater treatment infrastructure, and where rural communities with limited or no access to municipal water are dependent on nearby open water sources for their subsistence. The role of sewage-contaminated water and bivalve shellfish as vehicles for transmission of enteric viruses is well documented but, to our knowledge, has not been comprehensively reviewed in the African context. Here we provide an overview of enteric viruses and then review the growing body of research where these viruses have been detected in association with sewage-contaminated water or food in several African countries. These studies highlight the need for more research into the prevalence, molecular epidemiology and circulation of these viruses in Africa, as well as for development and application of innovative wastewater treatment approaches to reduce environmental pollution and its impact on human health on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Upfold
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Garry A Luke
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Biology, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Caroline Knox
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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