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Enteroviruses in shrimp harvested from contaminated marine waters

Abstract:

Marine shrimp (genus Penaeus) live primarily in tropical and subtropical coastal locations, sometimes contaminated by domestic sewage. However, sanitary quality and importance of shrimp as a potential vehicle for enteric disease transmission have not been reported previously. The shrimp Penaeus schmitti were either collected directly from Lake Maracaibo, in western Venezuela, or obtained from local seafood outlets. Of a total of 33 pooled samples, 16 (49%) yielded virus. Six types of enteroviruses were isolated during this study: polioviruses 1 and 2, and echovirus types 20, 21, 27, and 29. Viruses not typeable with the pools of specific antiserum used during this study were isolated from seven samples. Analysis of the results indicate that enteroviruses may be present in shrimp populations present in sewage-contaminated marine and estuarine waters.