Method for tick-borne encephalitis virus detection in raw milk products. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hennechart-Collette, Catherine; Gonzalez, Gaëlle; Fourniol, Lisa; Fraisse, Audrey; Beck, Cécile; Moutailler, Sara; Bournez, Laure; Dheilly, Nolwenn M.; Lacour, Sandrine A.; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Martin-Latil, Sandra; Perelle, Sylvie
• Is Part Of: Food microbiology. Volume 104(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Tick-borne encephalitis virus -- Raw dairy products -- RT-qPCR detection -- Process control -- RT-qPCR inhibition; Food Microbiology -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Food -- Microbiology; Periodicals; Food -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Food contamination -- Periodicals; 664.001579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-0020

Abstract

Abstract: The transmission of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) through food is rare, but can occur through the consumption of raw milk products from animals infected by tick bites. In 2020, France faced a TBEV outbreak linked to the consumption of unpasteurized goat cheese. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a molecular method for the detection of TBEV in raw milk products based on the recent international standard PR ISO/DIS 16140-4. The TBEV recovery rates varied with the inoculation level and settings. The LOD50 and LOD95 of TBEV were 6.40 × 10 3 genome copies per g or per mL and 2.84 × 10 4 genome copies per g or per mL, respectively. The percentages of RT-qPCR inhibitions were lower than 75% and the murine norovirus (MNV-1), used as process control, was detected in all samples with a recovery rate higher than 1%, as recommended in ISO 15216. We conclude that the described method is appropriate to detect TBEV in raw milk products for routine diagnosis, and to assess potential health risks. Highlights: Detection of TBEV in raw milk products. Characterization of an adapted method described in ISO 15216. Validation of the virus detection method according to the ISO 16140. A method for TBEV monitoring in raw milk products to assess potential health risks.