Possibilities of using mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to predict rotavirus contamination in Albania
Author:
Lugaj Arta1, Korro Kastriot2, Tolomeo Anna Maria3, Bakiu Rigers4, Santovito Gianfranco3
Affiliation:
1. 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana , 1010 Tirana , Albania 2. 2 Department of Veterinary Public Health, Agricultural University of Tirana , 1025 Tirana , Albania 3. 3 Department of Biology, University of Padua , 35122 Padova , Italy 4. 4 Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Agricultural University of Tirana , 1025 Tirana , Albania
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Rotaviruses are non-enveloped viruses that each consist of 11 double-stranded RNA molecules. These viruses are able to persist in the environment, and therefore play a fundamental role in the epidemiology of gastroenteritis and severe diarrhoea in children worldwide. While mussels have been primarily used as indicators of chemical pollution, they can also be used to monitor viral contamination. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel can also be used to detect microbial contamination, owing to its tendency to naturally concentrate viruses and other pathogens.
Material and Methods
A total of 102 Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel samples from Albania were collected over a three-year period: 37 samples off the Cape of Stillo in 2015, 39 samples from Butrinti Lake in 2019 and 26 samples from Butrinti Lake in 2021.
Results
The presence of rotavirus in the Cape of Stillo samples in 2015 was noted in 47% of samples from site 1, 33% from site 2, and 52% from site 3. In Butrinti Lake the percentage of infected individuals in 2019 was 33% from site 1, 41% from site 2, and 33% from site 3, whereas in 2021, it was 50% from site 1, 19% from site 2, and 0% from site 3. In total the percentage of infected individuals off the Cape of Stillo in 2015 was 44%, in Butrinti Lake in 2019 it was 36%, and in Butrinti Lake in 2021 it was 23 %.
Conclusion
These results indicate the presence of rotavirus in the shellfish specimens tested, and further analysis is needed to assess the potential health risks associated with consuming these shellfish. This study also indicates that mussels can be used in marine virological surveillance programmes.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subject
General Veterinary
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