Abstract:
It is fitting for the theme of IIFET 2000 “Microbehavior and Macroresults” that some of the smallest life
forms on planet Earth (caliciviruses measuring 36 nanometers in diameter), which replicate only inside the living cells of
their hosts, be examined. From their beginnings in this microscopic ecologic niche where they are spawned, caliciviruses
spill forth into a variety of ocean reservoirs and then bridge the land-sea interface where they can have profound effects on a
variety of diverse life forms including livestock and humans. Thus, from the intracellular microenvironment to the
macroenvironmental issues involving seafood harvest, livestock production and consumer concerns of seafood and food
safety to the societal processes of human diseases and their diagnosis and prevention, the very large footprints of the very
tiny caliciviruses will be examined for their relevance and impact on broad issues relative to this session. These are the
biological, environmental and social processes affected by this virus of ocean origin.
