Prevalence and characterization of Aichiviruses in bivalve molluscs produced and marketed in Southern Italy

Aichi virus (AiV) are members of the genus Kobuvirus and are recognized as a causative agent of gastroenteritis. To determine the potential for foodborne transmission through shellfish consumption, a monitoring on AiV presence... [ view full abstract ]

Aichi virus (AiV) are members of the genus Kobuvirus and are recognized as a causative agent of gastroenteritis. To determine the potential for foodborne transmission through shellfish consumption, a monitoring on AiV presence in bivalve molluscs produced and marketed in two Italian Regions (Lazio and Campania) was undertaken. 

A total of 515 bivalve mollusc samples were collected over a period of one year (February 2015 – March 2016) in the production areas of the two Regions (n=437 samples, of which Mytilus galloprovincialis n=349, Solen vagina n=42, Venus gallina n=35, Donax trunculus n=11) and at retail level (supermarkets, wholesale markets, etc.) in the urban areas of Naples and Rome (n=78 samples, of which Mytilus galloprovincialis n=50, Crassostrea gigas n=14, Tapes spp. n=11 and other species). Sample preparation was conducted according to ISO 15216 and molecular detection was performed by a RT-nested-PCR amplifying a fragment of the 3C/3D junction region; all products were confirmed by sequencing and genotype was determined by BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis. In total, AiV was detected in 52 samples (10.1%) and in samples from production areas a higher prevalence was shown in Solen and Venus samples (respectively 17.1% and 14.3%) compared to Mytilus (7.4%), though the difference was not statistically significant.

Results suggest that bivalve molluscs may be a potential vehicle for AiV and a better knowledge of AiV circulation in bivalve shellfish is needed to improve product safety.

Research founded by the Italian Ministry of Health (Ricerca Finalizzata RF-2011-02349693 and Ricerca Corrente IZS-LT 09/13 RC)