Detection of Norovirus, Rotavirus and Astrovirus Antigens in Hand Swabs and Stool Specimens of Employees in Dairy Processing Plants

In this study, swab and stool samples were obtained from employees (n=47) working in five dairy processing plants located Burdur province (Turkey) the district of Bucak to determine prevalence norovirus (NoV), rotavirus (RoV) astrovirus (AsV) antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Swab both hands (palm, upper part, sides fingers fingernail tips) employees. a questionnaire, participants asked provide information regarding their gender, age, education level, smoking status, hygiene habits glove use during as well whether they had digestive problems such diarrhea, vomiting abdominal pain period study. Results analyses indicated that NoV antigen was present an employee plant, which not participated any education. AsV RoV absent swap According results 42 47 frequently used gloves while 4 rarely. It determined 7 staff education, one those did working. can be concluded environment personnel these sufficient appropriate viral perspective. However, detection sample plant shows there is high contamination potential for plants. Thus, food including prevent possible infections outbreaks loss workforce extremely important.