ARS | Publication request: Potential virus detection and intervention methods for molluscan shellfish

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 12, 2010
Publication Date: August 12, 2010
Citation: Kingsley, D.H. 2010. Potential virus detection and intervention methods for molluscan shellfish. [abstract]. Indiana Molecular Biology Institute, Indiana University. p. 1.

Technical Abstract: Norovirus is the number one cause of foodborne illness in the Unites States, causing an estimated 9 million cases/yr. Hepatitis A is uncommon in the US but can result in serious illness. Bivalve shellfish are efficient bioconcentrators of these viruses from contaminated growing waters. Consequently, the USDA ARS FSIT Seafood Safety Laboratory in Dover DE studies microbial pathogens that cause illness associated with shellfish consumption, with a majority of the laboratory’s research efforts being focused on norovirus and hepatitis A virus. Virus research is primarily focused in three areas. The first research area is geared toward developing and improving virus detection tests for raw shellfish. The second research area is geared toward understanding how and why viruses persist within shellfish and the third research area is geared toward developing a viable intervention strategy for raw shellfish. Past laboratory research accomplishments, ongoing research, future research directions and potential collaborations and synergistic research efforts with Indiana University will be discussed.