Investigation of Rotavirus, Adenovirus and Astrovirus in Mussels and Shrimps Using Multiplex Real-time PCR

Viruses are one of the most common pathogens transmitted via food. Based on epidemiological evidence, human enteric viruses are considered to be as the most commonly transmitted etiological agents by bivalve shellfish. In Istanbul, the most widely consumed sea products after fish are mussels and shrimps. In this study, the presence of rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus were investigated in mussel and shrimp samples consumed by hunting on the shores of Istanbul. For this purpose, a total of 28 groups of shrimp and 52 groups of mussel were collected from different places in Istanbul. Each group was analyzed separately as a sample. Viruses were extracted from the digestive tissue by direct elusion method in a glycine/NaCl, pH 9.5 buffer followed by PEG-6000 precipitation. Multiplex Real-time RT-PCR technique was used to analyze the shellfish samples. Astrovirus was found in 63.46% of the total 52 analyzed mussel samples, whereas adenovirus was found in 46.15%. None of the mussel samples was positive for rotavirus. All tested shrimp samples were negative for all three researched viruses. This is the first report on the prevalence of rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus in mussels and shrimps in Turkey. The results show that mussels sold in Istanbul are highly contaminated with adenovirus and astrovirus and this could pose a great threat to public health.