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Application of a Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Norovirus and Rotavirus on Artificially Contaminated Food and Environmental Surfaces

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Abstract

Noroviruses and rotaviruses are the leading causes of non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Virus-contaminated food and surfaces represent an important risk to public health. However, established detection methods for the viruses in food products are laborious and time-consuming. Here, we describe a detailed swabbing protocol combined with real-time RT-PCR for norovirus and rotavirus detection on artificially contaminated food and environmental surfaces. Recovery rates between 2 and 78% for norovirus and between 8 and 42% for rotavirus were determined for contaminated food surfaces of apple, pepper, cooked ham and salami. From contaminated environmental surfaces (stainless steel, ceramic plate, polyethylene, wood), recovery rates between 26 and 52% (norovirus) and between 10 and 58% (rotavirus) were determined. The results demonstrate the suitability of the swab sample method for virus detection on food and environmental surfaces. Compared to other methods, it is easy to perform and significantly time-saving, predestining it for routine testing.

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Acknowledgment

This study was funded as a contract-research-project for the Bundeswehr Medical Service.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany

    K. Scherer & G. Klein

  2. State Laboratory for Consumer Protection, Saxony-Anhalt, Freiimfelder Str. 66/68, 061112, Halle, Germany

    D. Mäde

  3. Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany

    L. Ellerbroek & R. Johne

  4. Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service, Kopperpahler Allee 120, 24119, Kiel, Germany

    J. Schulenburg

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  1. K. Scherer
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  2. D. Mäde
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  3. L. Ellerbroek
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  4. J. Schulenburg
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  5. R. Johne
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  6. G. Klein
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Correspondence to K. Scherer.

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Scherer, K., Mäde, D., Ellerbroek, L. et al. Application of a Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Norovirus and Rotavirus on Artificially Contaminated Food and Environmental Surfaces. Food Environ Virol 1, 42–49 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12560-008-9007-0

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