Abstract:

Aim: 

To investigate the potential health hazard from infectious viruses where coliphages, or viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been detected in groundwater. Two aspects were investigated: the relationship between infectivity and detection by PCR and the stability of coliphage compared to human viruses. Methods and Results: 

Virus decay (1 year) and detection (2 years) studies were undertaken on groundwater at 12°C. The order of virus stability from most to least stable in groundwater, based on first-order inactivation, was: coliphage ΦX174 (0·5 d⁻¹) > adenovirus 2 > coliphage PRD1 > poliovirus 3 > coxsackie virus B1 (0·13 d⁻¹). The order for PCR results was: norovirus genotype II > adenovirus > norovirus genotype I > enterovirus. Conclusions: 

Enterovirus and adenovirus detection by PCR and the duration of infectivity in groundwater followed similar trends over the time period studied. Adenovirus might be a better method for assessing groundwater contamination than using enterovirus; norovirus detection would provide information on a significant human health hazard. Bacteriophage is a good alternative indicator. Significance and Impact of the Study: 

PCR is a useful tool for identifying the health hazard from faecal contamination in groundwater where conditions are conducive to the survival of viruses and their nucleic acid.

Keywords: adenovirus; coliphage; enterovirus; groundwater; norovirus; stability

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04150.x

Affiliations: 1:  Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, Guildford, England 2:  Health Protection Agency, Environmental Virology Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK 3:  Environment Agency, Olton Court, Solihull, UK