Critical Review of Norovirus Surrogates in Food Safety Research: Rationale for Considering Volunteer Studies |
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Authors: | Gary P Richards |
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Institution: | (1) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Delaware State University, James W.W. Baker Center, Dover, DE 19901, USA |
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Abstract: | The inability to propagate human norovirus (NoV) or to clearly differentiate infectious from noninfectious virus particles
has led to the use of surrogate viruses, like feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus-1 (MNV), which are propagatable
in cell culture. The use of surrogates is predicated on the assumption that they generally mimic the viruses they represent;
however, studies are proving this concept invalid. In direct comparisons between FCV and MNV, their susceptibility to temperatures,
environmental and food processing conditions, and disinfectants are dramatically different. Differences have also been noted
between the inactivation of NoV and its surrogates, thus questioning the validity of surrogates. Considerable research funding
is provided globally each year to conduct surrogate studies on NoVs; however, there is little demonstrated benefit derived
from these studies in regard to the development of virus inactivation techniques or food processing strategies. Human challenge
studies are needed to determine which processing techniques are effective in reducing NoVs in foods. A major obstacle to clinical
trials on NoVs is the perception that such trials are too costly and risky, but in reality, there is far more cost and risk
in allowing millions of unsuspecting consumers to contract NoV illness each year, when practical interventions are only a
few volunteer studies away. A number of clinical trials have been conducted, providing important insights into NoV inactivation.
A shift in research priorities from surrogate research to volunteer studies is essential if we are to identify realistic,
practical, and scientifically valid processing approaches to improve food safety. |
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