Viral RNA detections of enteric pathogens from caprine raw milk in Central Italy

TL;DR

This study found viral RNA from several enteric pathogens in raw goat milk from farms in Central Italy, highlighting a potential public health risk.

Contribution

The study presents original data on the presence of viral pathogens in unpasteurized caprine milk in Italy.

Findings

15.40% of milk samples tested positive for at least one viral pathogen.

HEV RNA was detected in 7.57% of samples, the most prevalent virus.

Co-detections of AstV, HEV, and NoV-GI were highest in samples from farms F5 and F6.

Abstract

During primary production, unpasteurized milk may be responsible for the transmission of several foodborne and zoonotic pathogens. Among these, viruses represent a public health concern.

In this study, 383 raw caprine milk samples were collected from goats farmed at 6 sites (F1–F6) located in the L’Aquila Province (Abruzzo Region, Italy). Molecular assays, including real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were performed to detect the RNA sequences of astrovirus (AstV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), norovirus genogroups I and II (NoV-GI and NoV-GII), and rotavirus (RV).

Results showed that 15.40% (59/383) of samples were positive for at least one pathogen, and 3.39% (13/383) co-detected AstV, HEV, and/or NoV-GI, with the highest frequency in samples collected from goats farmed at F5 and F6. Among the viruses investigated, HEV RNA was detected in samples from all farms, representing 7.57% (29/383), followed by AstV at 6.00% (23/383) and NoV-GI at 5.74% (22/383).

Although the majority of the viruses have been detected in faecal samples in previous studies, this study provides original data on their presence in unpasteurized caprine milk in Italy.

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