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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Sarah O'Brien
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a review that has been published in its final definitive form by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2016.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
Copyright © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Purpose of review: The aim of the study was to provide an update on foodborne viral infections describing illness burden, the main aetiological agents (enteric viruses, hepatitis viruses and emerging and zoonotic viruses) and advances in virus detection in foods. Recent findings: Norovirus (NoV) is the most common viral foodborne pathogen globally (125 million cases and 35 000 deaths). The role of the asymptomatic food handlers in contributing to NoV outbreaks is becoming increasingly clear, with up to one-quarter of outbreaks attributable to them. Handwashing with soap and water remains the best method for removing NoV from fingers. Risk assessment for transmission of emerging viruses through the food chain should include consideration of all means by which food could post a hazard, that is not just consumption. New technologies have demonstrated the widespread nature of viral contamination in the food chain, but this does not necessarily correlate with the risk of disease. Finally, understanding people's knowledge and behaviour is just as important as understanding virus characteristics and epidemiology when assessing risks of foodborne transmission. Summary: The predominant viruses transmitted through food tend to be those for which humans are the natural hosts, so that effective control measures need to prevent exposure of foods to human faeces.
Author(s): Iturriza-Gomara M, O'Brien SJ
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
Year: 2016
Volume: 29
Issue: 5
Pages: 495-501
Online publication date: 01/10/2016
Acceptance date: 01/01/1900
ISSN (print): 0951-7375
ISSN (electronic): 1473-6527
Publisher: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
URL: https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000299
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000299
PubMed id: 27454403
