CrAssphage as a Human Enteric Viral Contamination Bioindicator in Marketed Bivalve Mollusks

CrAssphage as a Human Enteric Viral Contamination Bioindicator in Marketed Bivalve Mollusks

CrAssphage, a bacteriophage that infects human gut-associated <i>Bacteroides</i> spp., has emerged as a potential anthropogenic fecal pollution indicator in environmental matrices. This study investigated the presence and concentration of crAssphages in bivalve mollusks (oysters and muss...

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Main Authors: Isabella Rodrigues Negreiros, Natália Lourenço dos Santos, Bruna Barbosa de Paula, Bruna Lopes Figueiredo, Marcelo Luiz Lima Brandão, José Paulo Gagliardi Leite, Marize Pereira Miagostovich, Carina Pacheco Cantelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Viruses
Subjects:
CrAssphage
enteric viruses
fecal contamination
bivalve mollusks
food safety
sanitary surveillance
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/7/1012
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Summary:CrAssphage, a bacteriophage that infects human gut-associated <i>Bacteroides</i> spp., has emerged as a potential anthropogenic fecal pollution indicator in environmental matrices. This study investigated the presence and concentration of crAssphages in bivalve mollusks (oysters and mussels) marketed in three cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sampled from January to December 2022. CrAssphages were detected during the study period in 66.7% (48/72) of sampled oysters and 54.8% (34/62) of sampled mussels, at median concentrations of 1.9 × 10<sup>4</sup> and 4.2 × 10<sup>4</sup> genome copies (GC)/g, respectively. These levels were 1–2 log<sub>10</sub> higher than those observed for major human enteric viruses, including norovirus genogroups GI and GII, sapovirus, human mastadenovirus (HAdV), rotavirus A, human astrovirus (HAstV), and hepatitis A virus. CrAssphage specificity and sensitivity were calculated for all viruses. Moderate correlations between crAssphage (log<sub>10</sub> GC/g) and norovirus GI and GII, HAdV, SaV, and HAstV (Spearman’s <i>rho</i> = 0.581–0.464, <i>p</i> < 0.001) were observed in mussels. Altogether, the data support the use of crAssphage as a molecular indicator of human viral contamination in shellfish, with potential application in routine environmental and food safety monitoring in production areas.
ISSN:1999-4915

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