| Several outbreaks of gastroenteritis related to the consumption of shellfish (frequently eaten raw) have been reported in different parts of the world. In Europe, hum an calicivirus infections may have been involved in winter outbreaks in recent years, although there is little evidence confirming such viral contamination in shellfish. This study presents the first results of a field survey on viral contamination in two shelllish harvesting areas along the French Mediterranean coast. The first, consisting mainly of oyster beds, was c1assified in category A, as determined by fecal coliform counts in shellfish (European Community Directive 91/492), and the second, a mussel bed, was c1assified in category C. Shelllish samples were collected monthly between... |
