Viruses in drinking water: HAV and enteroviruses
Numanović, F.; Hukić, M.; Nurkić, M.; Delibegović, Z.; Gegić, M.; Tihić, N.
Medicinski Arhiv 58(2): 105-108
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8083 PMID: 15202318 Document Number: 575005
The presence of waterborne enteric pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) in potable water represents a potential danger for people's health. While doing a microbiological examination of potable water on a regular basis, we obtain a constant control of presence of the bacteria that contaminate water. However, the water examination of the enteric viruses is done only when we have some large-scale hydrous epidemics. Finding the bacteria wich point to fecal contamination of drinking water is not a safe indicator of presence of the enteric viruses. After a two step RT/PCR examination on viruses in 84 samples of potable water, the enteroviruses were found in 53 out of 84 samples (63.09%), while the hepatitis A virus was not found after one step RT/PCR examination. In conclusion, we emphasize the need of standardizing the method of potable water viruses detection, in order to legalize the need of its regular application.