Title : Hepatitis E virus Detection in shellfish using Real-Time PCR analysis from Oualidia Lagoon in Morocco

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) contamination in shellfish from Oualidia lagoon (Moroccan Atlantic coast). The survey was carried out on 104 shellfish samples (87 oysters and 17 clams) collected at four sites in Oualidia lagoon, monthly between November 2015 and February 2017. Enteric viruses were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) according to the ISO/TS 15216 method. HEV was not detected in any shellfish samples. This qualitative study on contamination by enteric viruses (HEV) highlights the value of regular monitoring of the viral risks associated with bivalve mollusks intended for human consumption.