ABSTRACT

The potential for the transmission of adenoviruses by foods has only recently received attention and has been almost entirely focused on shellsh. Transmission of adenovirus eye and respiratory infections by recreational waters, however, has been well documented. Recent outbreaks have suggested that adenoviruses can also be transmitted by drinking water. Association of adenoviruses with water and food outbreaks is difcult because of the wide variety of illnesses that the viruses can cause, and of large number of asymptomatic cases. This is exacerbated by the fact that being a nonreportable disease, adenovirus infection is often associated with illnesses not considered foodborne (respiratory infections). Still occurrence of these viruses in food and water should be taken as an indication of their potential to be transmitted by

these routes. The application of molecular methods has been key in our understanding of exposure by food and water.