Enteric viral pathogens are responsible for numerous epidemics associated
with the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable, whether raw or mini
mally processed. The aim of the present study was to assess agricultural prac
tices and the presence of adenovirus (AdV) in fruits and vegetables, manure
and irrigation wastewater sampled in the urban and peri-urban perimeters of
Ouagadougou. A total of 286 samples including 30 lettuces, 42 tomatoes, 30
carrots, 30 strawberries, 74 manures and 80 wastewater samples were col
lected from four market garden sites in and around Ouagadougou. Nested
PCR was performed with specific primers to detect adenoviruses (AdVs). A
face-to-face survey was carried out using a questionnaire on market garden
production practices. Overall, adenoviruses prevalence was 5.9% [IC95, 3.2% -
8.7%] in all samples analyzed. It was specifically 7.14% (3/42) from tomatoes,
6.7% (2/30) from lettuces, 20% (6/30) on strawberries and 7.5% (6/80) in ir
rigation water. The survey showed that irrigation water came from untreated
sources (dam, well, canal) and then 52% of farms used untreated manure.
No farms have implemented measures to limit access by domestic and wild
animals. This work shows the presence of human adenoviruses in surface
irrigation water and fresh produce, which is of concern when fresh produce
is consumed raw. To reduce the public health risks associated with consum
ing these foods, it is essential to follow good hygiene and cultivation prac
tices.

Adenovirus Raw Fruits and Vegetables Nested PCR Wastewater Manure