Enteric viruses dissemination in a private reserve of natural heritage

This study aimed to assess anthropogenic impact of surrounding population in the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage at Pantanal, the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystem located in the center of South America. Viral etiologic agents of acute gastroenteritis as rotavirus A (RVA), noroviruses (NoV), human adenoviruses (HAdV), klassevirus (KV) and of hepatitis, as hepatitis A virus (HAV), were investigated in different aquatic matrices. Annual collection campaigns were carried out from 2009 to 2012, alternating dry and rainy seasons. Viral particles present in the samples were concentrated by the adsorption‐elution method, with negatively charged membranes, and detected by qualitative and quantitative PCR. From a total of 43 samples at least one virus was detected in 65% (28) of them. Viruses were detected in all matrices with concentrations ranging from 2 x 102 to 8.3 x 104 genome copies per liter. A significant higher RVA frequency was observed in the dry season. Our data revealing dissemination of human enteric viruses in water matrices both inside and outside the reserve could be useful to trace fecal contamination in the environment and to minimize the risk of infection by exposure of susceptible individuals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research