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Wolken M, Wang M, Schedler J, Campos RH, Ensor K, Hopkins L, Treangen T, Stadler LB. PreK-12 school and citywide wastewater monitoring of the enteric viruses astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172683. [PMID: 38663617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater monitoring is an efficient and effective way to surveil for various pathogens in communities. This is especially beneficial in areas of high transmission, such as preK-12 schools, where infections may otherwise go unreported. In this work, we apply wastewater disease surveillance using school and community wastewater from across Houston, Texas to monitor three major enteric viruses: astrovirus, sapovirus genogroup GI, and group A rotavirus. We present the results of a 10-week study that included the analysis of 164 wastewater samples for astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in 10 preK-12 schools, 6 wastewater treatment plants, and 2 lift stations using newly designed RT-ddPCR assays. We show that the RT-ddPCR assays were able to detect astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in school, lift station, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) wastewater, and that a positive detection of a virus in a school sample was paired with a positive detection of the same virus at a downstream lift station or wastewater treatment plant over 97 % of the time. Additionally, we show how wastewater detections of rotavirus in schools and WWTPs were significantly associated with citywide viral intestinal infections. School wastewater can play a role in the monitoring of enteric viruses and in the detection of outbreaks, potentially allowing public health officials to quickly implement mitigation strategies to prevent viral spread into surrounding communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Wolken
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Julia Schedler
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Roberto H Campos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Katherine Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America; Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Todd Treangen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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Ibrahim C, Hammami S, Khelifi N, Pothier P, Hassen A. Activated sludge and UV-C 254 for Sapovirus, Aichivirus, Astrovirus, and Adenovirus processing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:1995-2014. [PMID: 37086061 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2203906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the detection rates of four enteric viruses, Human Astrovirus (HAstVs), Aichivirus (AiVs), Human Adenovirus (HAdVs), and Sapovirus (SaVs) are carried out to assess the virological quality of the treated wastewater. A total of 140 samples was collected from wastewater treatment plant WWTP of Tunis-City. Real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR results showed high frequencies of detection of the four enteric viruses investigated at the entry and exit of the biological activated sludge procedure and a significant reduction in viral titers after tertiary treatment with UV-C254 irradiation. These results revealed the ineffectiveness of the biological activated sludge treatment in removing viruses and the poor quality of the treated wastewater intended for recycling, agricultural reuse, and safe discharge into the natural environment. The UV-C254 irradiation, selected while considering the non-release of known disinfection by-products because of eventual reactions with the large organic and mineral load commonly present in the wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chourouk Ibrahim
- Center of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Tunisia
- Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis, the University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Microbiology Laboratory, Beja University Hospital, Beja,Tunisia
| | - Salah Hammami
- National School of Veterinary Medicine at Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nesserine Khelifi
- Center of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Tunisia
| | - Pierre Pothier
- National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Abdennaceur Hassen
- Center of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Tunisia
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Ghozzi K, Nakbi A, Challouf R, Dhiab RB. A review on microbial contamination cases in Tunisian coastal marine areas. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 87:2142-2158. [PMID: 37186620 PMCID: wst_2023_123 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microbial pollution in marine environments is one of the critical issues with regard to the sanitary status of recreational activities and seafood harvesting due to a potential contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. This review's objectives were to identify instances of bacterial, viral and protozoan parasite pollution in the Tunisian coastal region and to make recommendations for further research. Fecal indicators such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in samples of clams and mussels. Vibrionaceae species were also recorded in seawater, sediment, fish and clams in different sites from north to south with the dominance of Vibrio alginolyticus. Bivalve mollusks collected from the Tunisian coast have been revealed to harbor viruses as well as protozoan parasites. Furthermore, the isolation of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains from Tunisian coastlines proves the significant spread and circulation of antibiotic resistance caused by the massive use of antibiotics. In conclusion, we suggest intensive monitoring and cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies to enhance seawater quality and preserve the biodiversity of aquatic life. Rapid detection techniques for the most important pathogenic microorganisms in seafood and seawater must be also developed to reduce human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khemissa Ghozzi
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisie E-mail:
| | - Amel Nakbi
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisie E-mail:
| | - Rafika Challouf
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisie E-mail:
| | - Rym Ben Dhiab
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisie E-mail:
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Chen JS, Tsai HC, Nagarajan V, Hsu BM. Adenovirus in fishery harbours and identification of contamination sources. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118538. [PMID: 35526430 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviruses (AdVs) are a major cause of clinical infections and have been proposed as indicators of water quality. However, quantitative data on the environmental prevalence of AdVs is lacking. We investigated the prevalence, distribution, seasonal occurrence, quantity, and genotype of AdVs in 13 fishing harbours in Taiwan. AdVs in the water samples were isolated by membrane filtration and the AdV DNA was extracted. Next, AdVs were detected using nested polymerase chain reaction. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis were performed to identify various AdV genotypes present in the water samples. The F species human AdV (HAdV) serotype 41 (63.6%) and C species porcine AdV (PAdV) serotype 5 (33.3%) were more prevalent than the other serotypes. The prevalence of AdVs was highest in the fall, followed by in the spring and summer. Among the fishing harbours, the highest detection rate of AdVs was observed in Yenpudongang in all seasons. However, Puoziliao was the only site at which AdVs were not detected during the study period. AdV detection at sampling sites may be correlated with sewage and livestock wastewater discharge via outflow of nearby rivers to fishing ports. Statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test) based on data from water quality indicators revealed that the presence of AdVs was significantly associated with the heterotrophic plate count, pH, and salinity. Human and swine population data from nearby local townships and river/drainage basins were collected from the Taiwan Central Government's website. The data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between the prevalence of AdVs, HAdVs, and PAdVs in fishing harbours, and microbial water quality indicators. Statistical evidence indicated that the detection levels of HAdVs and PAdVs in fishing harbours were mainly associated with human and swine populations in the corresponding river/drainage basin, respectively. Additionally, the swine population in the river/drainage basin was positively correlated with microbial water quality indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Sheng Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chi Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Viji Nagarajan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Mu Hsu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung Township, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan.
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Rmadi Y, Elargoubi A, González-Sanz R, Mastouri M, Cabrerizo M, Aouni M. Molecular characterization of enterovirus detected in cerebrospinal fluid and wastewater samples in Monastir, Tunisia, 2014-2017. Virol J 2022; 19:45. [PMID: 35303921 PMCID: PMC8932122 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01770-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enteroviruses (EVs) are considered the main causative agents responsible for aseptic meningitis worldwide. This study was conducted in the Monastir region of Tunisia in order to know the prevalence of EV infections in children with meningitis symptoms. Detected EV types were compared to those identified in wastewater samples.
Methods Two hundred CSF samples collected from hospitalized patients suspected of having aseptic meningitis for an EV infection between May 2014 and May 2017 and 80 wastewater samples collected in the same time-period were analyzed. EV detection and genotyping were performed using PCR methods followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses in the 3′-VP1 region were also carried-out. Results EVs were detected in 12% (24/200) CSF and in 35% (28/80) wastewater samples. EV genotyping was reached in 50% (12/24) CSF-positive samples and in 64% (18/28) sewage. Most frequent types detected in CSF were CVB3, E-30 and E-9 (25% each). In wastewater samples, the same EVs were identified, but also other types non-detected in CSF samples, such as E-17,CVA9 and CVB1 from EV species B, and EV-A71 and CVA8 from EV-A, suggesting their likely lower pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis showed that within the same type, different strains circulate in Tunisia. For some of the EV types such as E-9, E-11 or CVB3, the same strains were detected in CSF and wastewater samples. Conclusions Epidemiological studies are important for the surveillance of the EV infections and to better understand the emergence of certain types and variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Rmadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, University of Monastir, LR99-ES27, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Aida Elargoubi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Rubén González-Sanz
- Enterovirus and Viral Gastrointestinal Unit, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maha Mastouri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, University of Monastir, LR99-ES27, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Microbiology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Cabrerizo
- Enterovirus and Viral Gastrointestinal Unit, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, University of Monastir, LR99-ES27, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
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Upfold NS, Luke GA, Knox C. Occurrence of Human Enteric Viruses in Water Sources and Shellfish: A Focus on Africa. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:1-31. [PMID: 33501612 PMCID: PMC7837882 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses are a diverse group of human pathogens which are primarily transmitted by the faecal-oral route and are a major cause of non-bacterial diarrhoeal disease in both developed and developing countries. Because they are shed in high numbers by infected individuals and can persist for a long time in the environment, they pose a serious threat to human health globally. Enteric viruses end up in the environment mainly through discharge or leakage of raw or inadequately treated sewage into water sources such as springs, rivers, dams, or marine estuaries. Human exposure then follows when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or recreation and, importantly, when filter-feeding bivalve shellfish are consumed. The human health hazard posed by enteric viruses is particularly serious in Africa where rapid urbanisation in a relatively short period of time has led to the expansion of informal settlements with poor sanitation and failing or non-existent wastewater treatment infrastructure, and where rural communities with limited or no access to municipal water are dependent on nearby open water sources for their subsistence. The role of sewage-contaminated water and bivalve shellfish as vehicles for transmission of enteric viruses is well documented but, to our knowledge, has not been comprehensively reviewed in the African context. Here we provide an overview of enteric viruses and then review the growing body of research where these viruses have been detected in association with sewage-contaminated water or food in several African countries. These studies highlight the need for more research into the prevalence, molecular epidemiology and circulation of these viruses in Africa, as well as for development and application of innovative wastewater treatment approaches to reduce environmental pollution and its impact on human health on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Upfold
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Garry A Luke
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Biology, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Caroline Knox
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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Brini I, Guerrero A, Ezzine I, Orth‐Höller D, Hetzer B, Würzner R, Hazgui O, Handous I, Nouri‐Merchaoui S, Bouguila J, Mahdhaoui N, Boughamoura L, Malekshahi Z, von‐Laer D, Hannachi N, Boukadida J, Stoiber H. Human adenoviruses associated with respiratory illness in neonates, infants, and children in the Sousse area of Tunisia. J Med Virol 2020. [PMCID: PMC7689715 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The human Adenovirus (HAdV) is a common agent of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Its clinical impact in immunocompetent children and in the context of coinfections remains unclear in Tunisia. Material and methods HAdV‐ARIs were studied in hospitalized patients from birth to the age of 5 years from 2013 to 2014. Clinical and demographic characteristics, coinfections, and molecular characterization of HAdV were established. Results HAdV‐positivity was detected in 114/583 specimens (19.6%) including 6.1% single infections and 93.9% coinfections. Adenoviral coinfections mostly comprised human Rhinovirus (50.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (34.2%), human Respiratory Syncytial virus A/B (29.8%), and human Coronaviruses (21.9%). HAdV infection was predominant in the pediatric population (25.0% vs 10.0% in neonates, P < .001) and peaked in February 2014 (21.1%). HAdV severity of pediatric cases is characterized by low saturation of oxygen (<94%, 33.8%, P = .05) and long duration of oxygen support (≥5 days, 32.7%, P = .02). Severe HAdV infections were described with S. pneumoniae coinfection, which seemed to increase the risk of death. HAdV genotyping identified HAdV‐C as the most common species. Severe ARIs were observed in all HAdV‐identified types. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that sequences were variable suggesting the circulation of different HAdV strains sharing more similarities to strains circulating in Europe or Asia than those from Africa. Conclusion This first molecular study of HAdV in Tunisia demonstrated that it has an important role in severe ARIs with HAdV‐C being the most common species. S. pneumoniae codetection seems to increase the severity of HAdV‐ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Brini
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir University of Monastir Monastir Tunisia
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Unité de Recherche Caractérisation Génomique des Agents Infectieux UR12SP34, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Aida Guerrero
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Virology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Issaad‐Kawther Ezzine
- Laboratoire de Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio‐ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir Université de Monastir Monastir Tunisie
| | - Dorothea Orth‐Höller
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Benjamin Hetzer
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Department of Pediatrics Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Olfa Hazgui
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Unité de Recherche Caractérisation Génomique des Agents Infectieux UR12SP34, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Imene Handous
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Unité de Recherche Caractérisation Génomique des Agents Infectieux UR12SP34, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Sonia Nouri‐Merchaoui
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Service de Néonatologie, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Jihene Bouguila
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Nabiha Mahdhaoui
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Service de Néonatologie, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Lamia Boughamoura
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Zahra Malekshahi
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Virology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Dorothee von‐Laer
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Virology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Naila Hannachi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Unité de Recherche Caractérisation Génomique des Agents Infectieux UR12SP34, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Jalel Boukadida
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Unité de Recherche Caractérisation Génomique des Agents Infectieux UR12SP34, Hôpital Universitaire Farhat Hached Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse Université de Sousse Sousse Tunisie
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Institute of Virology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
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Ibrahim C, Hammami S, Khelifi N, Pothier P, Hassen A. The Effectiveness of Activated Sludge Procedure and UV-C 254 in Norovirus Inactivation in a Tunisian Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:250-259. [PMID: 32607705 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The molecular detection of Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII in the Tunisian industrial wastewater treatment plant of Charguia I was conducted to test the effectiveness of secondary biological treatment using the activated sludge procedure and the UV-C254 tertiary treatment radiation using a UV disinfection prototype to upgrade the quality of the purified wastewater. A total of 140 sewage samples were collected from the two lines of sewage treatment procedures. Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII have been found and quantified using Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in 66.4 and 86.4% of the collected wastewater samples. The Norovirus GI and GII mean concentration values got in the treated effluents showed a significant decrease of Norovirus viral content rates detected from upstream to downstream of activated sludge procedures and at the output of UV-C254 treatment. These findings characterise and denote for the first time the effectiveness of biological and UV-C254 treatment for Norovirus GI and Norovirus GII removal in Tunis City, northern Tunisia. Also, these data underlined the fact that purified sewage makes up a route of gastroenteritis virus transmission and a cause of viral gastroenteritis associated with water-borne and food-borne outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chourouk Ibrahim
- Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorisation of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Techno Park of Borj-Cédria, 8020, Borj Cédria, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Salah Hammami
- National School of Veterinary Medicine At Sidi Thabet, IRESA, University of Manouba, 2020, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nesserine Khelifi
- Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorisation of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Techno Park of Borj-Cédria, 8020, Borj Cédria, Tunisia
| | - Pierre Pothier
- National Reference Centre for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, 21070, Dijon, France
| | - Abdennaceur Hassen
- Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), Laboratory of Treatment and Valorisation of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Techno Park of Borj-Cédria, 8020, Borj Cédria, Tunisia
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9
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Makhaola K, Moyo S, Kebaabetswe LP. Distribution and Genetic Variability of Sapoviruses in Africa. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050490. [PMID: 32349380 PMCID: PMC7291139 DOI: 10.3390/v12050490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe the distribution and genetic diversity of sapoviruses detected among humans, animals and the environment in African countries. Databases were searched for studies conducted in African countries and published between Jan 2005 and Mar 2019. Only studies where RT- PCR was used for initial detection were included in the systematic review. We identified 27 studies from 14 African countries with 18 focused on human sapoviruses, two on animal sapoviruses and seven on sapoviruses observed in the environment. Samples. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of human sapovirus infections among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals was similar at 5.0% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.0–7.0) and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.0–3.0), respectively. In environmental samples sapovirus detection rates ranged from 0% to 90% while in animal studies it was 1.7% to 34.8%. Multiple causes of gastroenteritis, sensitivity of detection method used, diversity of sapovirus strains and rotavirus vaccine coverage rate are some of the factors that could have contributed to the wide range of sapovirus detection rates that were reported. The studies reported human genogroups GI, GII, and GIV, with genogroup GI being the most prevalent. Some potential novel strains were detected from animal samples. Most studies genotyped a small portion of either the capsid and/or polymerase region. However, this is a limitation as it does not allow for detection of recombinants that occur frequently in sapoviruses. More studies with harmonized genotyping protocols that cover longer ranges of the sapovirus genome are needed to provide more information on the genomic characterization of sapoviruses circulating in African countries. Further investigations on animal to human transmission for sapoviruses are needed as inter-species transmissions have been documented for other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgomotso Makhaola
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lemme P. Kebaabetswe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
- Correspondence:
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10
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Beltifa A, Alibi S, Mansour HB. Monitoring hospital wastewaters for their probable genotoxicity. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:1-7. [PMID: 32129181 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hospitals' effluents contain a considerable amount of chemicals. Considering the significant volume of wastewater discharged by hospitals, the presence of these chemicals represents a real threat to the environment and human health. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro genotoxicities of three wastewater effluents collected from Tunisian hospitals. The liver of Swiss albino male mice, previously treated with different doses of the hospital wastewaters, was used as a model to detect DNA fragmentation. Our results showed all the hospital effluents caused significant qualitative and quantitative hazards in hepatic DNA. The wastewater collected from Sfax hospital exhibited the highest genotoxic effect, which may be explained by the presence in this effluent of some toxic micropolluants. There was a significant increase in genotoxicity, proportionally to the concentration of effluent. However, the vitotox assay did not show any significant genotoxicity on Salmonella typhimurium TA104 in the presence or absence of microsomal fraction S9. The ratio gentox/cytox was lower than the threshold 1.5. This study assessed the toxicological risk issued from Tunisian hospital wastewaters, which is potentially very harmful, and it has been pointed out that wastewater treatment requires special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Beltifa
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environment - APAE UR17ES32 Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia E-mail: ; Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, University Tunis, El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Sana Alibi
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environment - APAE UR17ES32 Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia E-mail:
| | - Hedi Ben Mansour
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environment - APAE UR17ES32 Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Mahdia, Tunisia E-mail:
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Ibrahim C, Hammami S, Pothier P, Khelifi N, Hassen A. The performance of biological and tertiary wastewater treatment procedures for rotaviruses A removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:5718-5729. [PMID: 31177419 PMCID: PMC7223008 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses, generally found in sewage, are recognized as the main cause of waterborne and foodborne public health outbreaks. Among leading enteric viruses, the Rotavirus A (RVA) detection in wastewater appeared to be a novel approach to monitor the emergence of these viruses in some countries where the viral gastroenteritis surveillance is almost absent such as in Tunisia. The RVA detection and quantification in an industrial sewage purification plant of Charguia I (Tunis, Tunisia) were achieved to evaluate the performance of activated sludge procedures coupled to a macrofiltration monolamp ultraviolet irradiation type C (UV-C254) disinfection reactor. This UV-C254 system was preceded by a fiberglass cartridge filter system with an average porosity of 45 μm to clarify the water and thus increase its UV transmittance. A total of 140 composite sewage samples was collected from this line of treatment and analyzed for RVA detection. The detection and the viral load quantification of RVA were performed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The virological results showed in general that RVA were detected at high frequency of 98% (137/140). In fact, the RVA detection rates at the exit of the two studied wastewater treatment were about 100% at the exit of the activated sludge procedure. It means that all wastewater sampled at this last step of treatment was positive for RVA detection. On the other hand, 92.5% of the wastewater samples taken at the exit of the monolamp UV-C254 reactor were positive for the RVA. However, the RVA quantification results expressed as viral load showed a significant reduction in the means of RVA viral loads at the exit of the biological activated sludge procedure and the tertiary UV-C254 treatment, showing in general an improved treated wastewater virological quality. Therefore, the RVA load removal rates recorded at the two successive stages of treatment, the activated sludge and the UV-C254 treatment, were around 85% and 73%, respectively, as compared to the one with 100% registered for the raw wastewater. In addition, good physical-chemical and bacteriological qualities of the treated sewage were found at the exit of the two considered wastewater treatment procedures. The present investigation represents the first Tunisian environmental report showing the good effectiveness and performance of the biological and the tertiary treatments for RVA removal. Therefore, an improved and an optimized tertiary disinfection treatment was needed since it could be a good means for getting better viral water quality and for minimizing the transmission and dissemination of human infectious viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chourouk Ibrahim
- Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), 8020 Techno Park of Borj Cédria, Borj Cédria, Tunisia
- Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Salah Hammami
- National School of Veterinary Medicine at Sidi-Thabet, IRESA, University of Manouba, 2020 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Pierre Pothier
- National Reference Centre for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, 21070 Dijon, France
| | - Nesserine Khelifi
- Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), 8020 Techno Park of Borj Cédria, Borj Cédria, Tunisia
| | - Abdennaceur Hassen
- Laboratory of Treatment and Valorization of Water Rejects (LTVRH), Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), 8020 Techno Park of Borj Cédria, Borj Cédria, Tunisia
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Ibrahim C, Hammami S, Chérif N, Mejri S, Pothier P, Hassen A. Detection of Sapoviruses in two biological lines of Tunisian hospital wastewater treatment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:400-413. [PMID: 30474395 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1546835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of rotating biodisks and natural oxidizing lagoon procedures is investigated at a Tunisian semi-industrial pilot plant, El Menzeh I, where the wastewater is mainly provided by three different neighbouring hospital clinics. Throughout 2011, 102 wastewater samples were collected from the two mentioned wastewater treatment procedures. Results showed that the Sapovirus (SaV) frequency was approximately 29.4% using the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, and about 16.6% using the conventional RT-PCR. Also, the SaV genogroups and genotypes were identified and genotyping revealed that all of the four Tunisian SaV strains obtained belonged to the two genogroups GIV.1 and GGI.3. In addition, two new genotypes, D and C, were detected. A moderate decrease in the SaV frequencies was observed at the exit of the two treatment processes and the SaV removal rate was around 90% in the natural oxidizing lagoons and 94% in the rotating biodisks procedure showing the temperate sensitivity of these viruses to the implemented biological wastewater. Therefore, an urgent disinfection process should be implemented downstream of the two biological treatment procedures for safe release of treated effluent in the different natural environments. Abbreviations: NoV: Noroviruses; SaV: Sapoviruses; EC: Electrical Conductivity; COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand; BOD5: Biological Oxygen Demand; SS: Suspended Solids; NH4-N: Ammonium Nitrogen; P-PO4: Ortho-Phosphate; AlCl3: aluminum chloride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chourouk Ibrahim
- a Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis , University of Tunis El Manar , Tunis , Tunisia
- b Laboratory of Treatment and Wastewater Valorization, Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE) , Techno Park of Borj-Cedria 8020 , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Salah Hammami
- c National School of Veterinary Medicine at Sidi-Thabet , University of Manouba, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA) , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Nadia Chérif
- d Unit Virology of Marine organisms, Aquaculture Laboratory , National Institute of Sea Science and Technologies , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Selma Mejri
- e Veterinary Research Institute of Tunisia, Laboratory of Virology , University of Tunis El Manar, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA), La Rabta , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Pierre Pothier
- f National Reference Centre for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology , University Hospital of Dijon , Dijon , France
| | - Abdennaceur Hassen
- a Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis , University of Tunis El Manar , Tunis , Tunisia
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Hoque SA, Thongprachum A, Takanashi S, Mostafa SM, Saito H, Anwar KS, Nomura A, Hoque SA, Begum R, Sultana UN, Hossain T, Khamrin P, Okitsu S, Hayakawa S, Ushijima H. Alarming Situation of Spreading Enteric Viruses Through Sewage Water in Dhaka City: Molecular Epidemiological Evidences. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2019; 11:65-75. [PMID: 30607905 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-09363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Global burden of acute viral gastroenteritis remains high, particularly in developing countries including Bangladesh. Sewage water (SW) is an important node to monitor enteric pathogens both in the environment and among the population. Analysis of SW in Dhaka city deems crucially important because a large number of urban-city dwellers live in Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, under a constant threat of precarious sewerage system. In this study, we collected raw SW from five locations of Dhaka city every month from June 2016 to May 2017. It was concentrated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and investigated for three major enteric viruses, rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus GII (NoV GII) and adenovirus (AdV) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of these SW samples collected from both hospitals and non-hospital areas yielded enteric viruses: 76% samples were positive for AdV, followed by 53% NoV GII and 38% RVA. Viral load was determined as much as 1 × 107 copies/ml for RVA and 3.5 × 103 copies/ml for NoV GII. Importantly, NoV GII and AdV that can affect people of all ages were predominated during monsoon also when SW overflows and spreads over a wide and crowded area. Genotypes G1, G2, G3, G8, and G9 for RVA, GII.4 for NoV, and type 41 for AdV were detected representing the current profile of circulating genotypes in the population. This study provides the first evidence of distribution of major diarrheal viruses in SW in Dhaka city which is alarming showing grave risk of impending outbreaks through exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Ariful Hoque
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Aksara Thongprachum
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sayaka Takanashi
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Salwa Mohd Mostafa
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Hiroyuki Saito
- Akita Prefectural Research Center for Public Health and Environment, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazi Selim Anwar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW), Narita Campus, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akiko Nomura
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sk Azimul Hoque
- National Institute Neuroscience and Hospital, Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rokeya Begum
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ummay Nasrin Sultana
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tania Hossain
- Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Pattara Khamrin
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Shoko Okitsu
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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14
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Pennino F, Nardone A, Montuori P, Aurino S, Torre I, Battistone A, Delogu R, Buttinelli G, Fiore S, Amato C, Triassi M. Large-Scale Survey of Human Enteroviruses in Wastewater Treatment Plants of a Metropolitan Area of Southern Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:187-192. [PMID: 29248990 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Human enteroviruses (HEVs) occur in high concentrations in wastewater and can contaminate receiving environmental waters, constituting a major cause of acute waterborne disease worldwide. In this study, we investigated the relative abundance, occurrence, and seasonal distribution of polio and other enteroviruses at three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Naples, Southern Italy, from January 2010 to December 2014. Influent and effluent samples from the three WWTPs were collected monthly. One hundred and sixty-one of the 731 wastewater samples collected (22.0%) before and after water treatment were CPE positive on RD cells; while no samples were positive on L20B cells from any WWTPs. Among the 140 non-polio enterovirus isolated from inlet sewage, 69.3% were Coxsackieviruses type B and 30.7% were Echoviruses. Among these, CVB3 and CVB5 were most prevalent, followed by CVB4 and Echo6. The twenty-one samples tested after treatment contained 6 CVB4, 5 CVB3, 3 Echo11, and 2 Echo6; while other serotypes were isolated less frequently. Data on viral detection in treated effluents of WWTPs confirmed the potential environmental contamination by HEVs and could be useful to establish standards for policies on wastewater management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pennino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Montuori
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Sara Aurino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Torre
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Battistone
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines (CNCF), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Delogu
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines (CNCF), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Buttinelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Amato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Sergio Pansini No 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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15
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Assis ASF, Fumian TM, Miagostovich MP, Drumond BP, da Rosa E Silva ML. Adenovirus and rotavirus recovery from a treated effluent through an optimized skimmed-milk flocculation method. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:17025-17032. [PMID: 29633189 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sewage treatment may be insufficient for the complete removal of enteric viruses, such as human adenoviruses (HAdV) and group A rotavirus (RVA). The differences in the efficiency of the treatment methodologies used may interfere with the detection of these viruses. The objective of this study was to optimize a skimmed-milk flocculation technique for the recovery of HAdV and RVA in the samples of treated effluent. The treated effluent collected at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was processed via four protocols including modifications in the initial centrifugation step and the final concentration of skimmed-milk. The viral load and recovery rate were determined by quantitative PCR TaqMan® System. The highest recovery rates of HAdV, RVA, and bacteriophage PP7 (internal control process) were obtained when the concentration of skimmed-milk was doubled and no centrifugation step was used for the sample clarification. The optimized protocol was assessed in a field study conducted with 24 treated effluent samples collected bi-monthly during 2015. HAdV and RVA were detected in 50.0% (12/24) and 33.3% (08/24) of the samples tested, respectively, throughout the year, without seasonal variation (p > 0.05). This study corroborates the use of the organic flocculation method for virus recovery in environmental samples with the adaptation of the protocols to different aquatic matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrêssa Silvino Ferreira Assis
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Tulio Machado Fumian
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marize Pereira Miagostovich
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Betânia Paiva Drumond
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Virus, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Maria Luzia da Rosa E Silva
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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16
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Ibrahim C, Hassen A, Pothier P, Mejri S, Hammami S. Molecular detection and genotypic characterization of enteric adenoviruses in a hospital wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:10977-10987. [PMID: 29404949 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Hospital wastewater (HWW) represents a major source of the diffusion of many antibiotics and some toxic pathogenic microorganisms in the aquatic environment. Sanitation services play a critical role in controlling transmission of numerous waterborne pathogens, especially enteric human adenoviruses (HAdVs) that can cause acute gastroenteritis. This study intended to evaluate the human adenoviruses (HAdVs) detection rates, to determine the genotype of these viruses and to assess the efficiency of HAdVs removal in hospital pilot wastewater treatment plant (PWWTP) in Tunis City, Tunisia. Therefore, hospital wastewater samples (n = 102) were collected during the study year from the two biological wastewater treatment techniques: natural oxidizing ponds and the rotating biological disks or biodisks. Nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) was used to evaluate the HAdVs detection rates. The genotype of HAdVs positive samples was achieved by the sequencing of the PCR products. HAdVs were detected in 64% (65/102) of positive wastewater samples. A substantial increase in the frequencies of HAdVs was observed at the exit of the two wastewater treatment techniques studied. The typing of HAdVs species F showed the occurrence of only HAdVs type 41. This data acquired for the first time in Tunisia showed high persistence and survival of HAdVs in the two biological wastewater treatment techniques experienced, and mainly highlighted the poor virological quality of the treated wastewater intended for recycling, agriculture reuse, and discharges into the natural receiving environments. Consequently, tertiary wastewater treatment appeared necessary in this case to decrease the load of enteric viruses flowing in the water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chourouk Ibrahim
- Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Treatment and Wastewater Valorization, Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), 8020, Techno Park of Borj-Cédria, Tunisia.
| | - Abdennaceur Hassen
- Laboratory of Treatment and Wastewater Valorization, Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), 8020, Techno Park of Borj-Cédria, Tunisia
| | - Pierre Pothier
- Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Centre for Enteric Viruses, University Hospital of Dijon, 21070, Dijon, France
| | - Selma Mejri
- Laboratory of Virology, University of Tunis El Manar, IRESA, Veterinary Research Institute of Tunisia, 1006, La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Salah Hammami
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University of Manouba, IRESA, National School of Veterinary Medicine at Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunis, Tunisia
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17
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Mabasa VV, Meno KD, Taylor MB, Mans J. Environmental Surveillance for Noroviruses in Selected South African Wastewaters 2015-2016: Emergence of the Novel GII.17. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:16-28. [PMID: 28779481 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) GII.4 is the predominant genotype associated with gastroenteritis pandemics and new strains emerge every 2-3 years. Between 2008 and 2011, environmental studies in South Africa (SA) reported NoVs in 63% of the sewage-polluted river water samples. The aim of this study was to assess whether wastewater samples could be used for routine surveillance of NoVs, including GII.4 variants. From April 2015 to March 2016, raw sewage and effluent water samples were collected monthly from five wastewater treatment plants in SA. A total of 108 samples were screened for NoV GI and GII using real-time RT-qPCR. Overall 72.2% (78/108) of samples tested positive for NoVs with 4.6% (5/108) GI, 31.5% (34/108) GII and 36.1% (39/108) GI + GII strains being detected. Norovirus concentrations ranged from 1.02 × 102 to 3.41 × 106 genome copies/litre for GI and 5.00 × 103 to 1.31 × 106 genome copies/litre for GII. Sixteen NoV genotypes (GI.2, GI.3, GI.4, GI.5, GI.6, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.7, GII.9, GII.10, GII.14, GII.16, GII.17, GII.20, and GII.21) were identified. Norovirus GII.2 and GII.17 co-dominated and the majority of GII.17 strains clustered with the novel Kawasaki 2014 variant. Sewage surveillance facilitated detection of Kawasaki 2014 in SA, which to date has not been detected with surveillance in children with gastroenteritis <5 years of age. Combined surveillance in the clinical setting and environment appears to be a valuable strategy to monitor emergence of NoV strains in countries that lack NoV outbreak surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Mabasa
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
| | - K D Meno
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
| | - M B Taylor
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
| | - Janet Mans
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, Private Bag X323, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
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18
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Sapovirus in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Tunisia: Prevalence, Removal, and Genetic Characterization. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02093-17. [PMID: 29305515 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02093-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sapovirus (SaV), from the Caliciviridae family, is a genus of enteric viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis. SaV is shed at high concentrations with feces into wastewater, which is usually discharged into aquatic environments or reused for irrigation without efficient treatments. This study analyzed the incidence of human SaV in four wastewater treatment plants from Tunisia during a period of 13 months (December 2009 to December 2010). Detection and quantification were carried out using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methods, obtaining a prevalence of 39.9% (87/218). Sixty-one positive samples were detected in untreated water and 26 positive samples in processed water. The Dekhila plant presented the highest contamination levels, with a 63.0% prevalence. A dominance of genotype I.2 was observed on 15 of the 24 positive samples that were genetically characterized. By a Bayesian estimation algorithm, the SaV density in wastewater was estimated using left-censored data sets. The mean value of log SaV concentration in untreated wastewater ranged between 2.7 and 4.5 logs. A virus removal efficiency of 0.2 log was calculated for the Dekhila plant as the log ratio posterior distributions between untreated and treated wastewater. Multiple quantitative values obtained in this study must be available in quantitative microbial risk assessment in Tunisia as parameter values reflecting local conditions.IMPORTANCE Human sapovirus (SaV) is becoming more prevalent worldwide and organisms in this genus are recognized as emerging pathogens associated with human gastroenteritis. The present study describes novel findings on the prevalence, seasonality, and genotype distribution of SaV in Tunisia and Northern Africa. In addition, a statistical approximation using Bayesian estimation of the posterior predictive distribution ("left-censored" data) was employed to solve methodological problems related with the limit of quantification of the quantitative PCR (qPCR). This approach would be helpful for the future development of quantitative microbial risk assessment procedures for wastewater.
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19
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Nasri E, Machreki M, Beltifa A, Aroui S, Ghorbel A, Saad A, Feriani A, Borgi MA, Ghazouani L, Sire O, Balcázar JL, Mansour HB. Cytotoxic effects of seven Tunisian hospital wastewaters on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MDA-231: correlation with their chemical characterization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:20422-20428. [PMID: 28707244 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9717-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hospital wastewaters contain large amounts of pharmaceutical residues, which may eventually be discharged into the aquatic environment through wastewater treatment plants, raising the question of their impact on human and environmental health. This has prompted the launch of several monitoring studies into the most commonly administered compounds in urban wastewater. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore the cytotoxic potential of wastewaters samples collected from seven hospitals in Tunisia. The physicochemical analyses showed a large fluctuation of certain parameters in the collected samples, such as chemical oxygen demand (ranged from 860 to 1720 mg L-1), biochemical oxygen demand (ranged from 385 to 747 mg L-1), total organic carbon (ranged from 256 to 562 g L-1), total suspended solids (ranged from 905 to 1450 mg L-1), conductivity (ranged from 3.31 to 7.14 μsm/cm), and turbidity (ranged from 100 to 480 NTU). The analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) also showed that hospital wastewater contains high concentrations of Hg (ranged from 0.0024 to 0.019 mg L-1). This could be explained by the variation of the activity and the services in certain hospitals compared to others. All hospital wastewater samples induced the proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MDA-231, even at low concentrations (20 μL/assay). Moreover, the maximum induction reached at the concentration of 60 μL/assay in wastewater samples from hospitals located in Monastir, Sidi Bouzid, Mahdia, and Sfax with percentages of induction up to 42.33, 14, 7.61, and 5.42%, respectively. These observations could be due to the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in these wastewaters. Given this, our results evidenced the potential risk of these hospital effluents to environmental and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Nasri
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Monia Machreki
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Asma Beltifa
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Aroui
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Asma Ghorbel
- Hygiene Laboratory/Toxicology Unit Hedi CHAKER Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Amina Saad
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Anouar Feriani
- Unité de Biochimie Macromoléculaire et Génétique, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa, Cité Zarroug, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ali Borgi
- Unité de Biochimie Macromoléculaire et Génétique, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa, Cité Zarroug, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Lakhdar Ghazouani
- Unité de Biochimie Macromoléculaire et Génétique, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa, Cité Zarroug, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Olivier Sire
- Université Bretagne Sud, FRE CNRS 3744, IRDL, 56017, Vannes, France
| | - José Luis Balcázar
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Hedi Ben Mansour
- Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to the Environmental-APAE (UR17ES32) Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
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Detection of uncommon G3P[3] rotavirus A (RVA) strain in rat possessing a human RVA-like VP6 and a novel NSP2 genotype. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 53:206-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Adefisoye MA, Nwodo UU, Green E, Okoh AI. Quantitative PCR Detection and Characterisation of Human Adenovirus, Rotavirus and Hepatitis A Virus in Discharged Effluents of Two Wastewater Treatment Facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2016; 8:262-274. [PMID: 27236707 PMCID: PMC5093187 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of enteric viruses in reclaimed wastewater, their removal by efficient treatment processes and the public health hazards associated with their release into the environments are of great significance in environmental microbiology. In this study, TaqMan-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess the prevalence of human adenovirus (HAdV), rotavirus (RV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, over a twelve-month sampling period. The correlation between the concentrations of viruses in the effluents samples and faecal coliform (FC) densities were assessed as to validate the use of FC as microbiological indicator in water quality assessment. HAdV was detected in 62.5 % (30/48) of the samples with concentrations ranging between 8.4 × 101 and 1.0 × 105 genome copies/L while HAV and RV were only detected at concentrations below the set detection limits. FCs densities ranged from 1 to 2.7 × 104 CFU/100 ml. Adenovirus species HAdV-B (serotype 2) and HAdV-F (serotype 41) were detected in 86.7 % (26/30) and 6.7 % (2/30) of the HAdV-positive samples, respectively. No consistent seasonal trend was observed in HAdV concentrations, however, increased concentrations of HAdV were generally observed in the winter months. Also, there was no correlation between the occurrence of HAdV and FC at both the treatment plants. The persistent occurrence of HAdV in the discharged treated effluents points to the potential public health risk through the release of HAdV into the receiving watersheds, and the possibility of their transmission to human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martins Ajibade Adefisoye
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
| | - Uchechukwu U Nwodo
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Ezekiel Green
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyin Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa
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Ouardani I, Turki S, Aouni M, Romalde JL. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis A Virus from Tunisian Wastewater Treatment Plants with Different Secondary Treatments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:3834-3845. [PMID: 27107113 PMCID: PMC4907194 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00619-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the main causative agent of hepatitis infection associated with waterborne outbreaks worldwide. In Tunisia, there is no specific surveillance system for HAV and current secondary wastewater treatment processes are unable to remove viral particles, which present a potential public health problem. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of HAV in 271 raw and treated wastewater samples from five sewage treatment plants (STPs) during 13 months was performed. Moreover, the efficiency of three secondary wastewater treatment processes (conventional activated sludge, extended aeration, and oxidation ditch activated sludge) was evaluated. Data obtained demonstrated that HAV is endemic in Tunisia and circulates with high prevalence in both raw (66.9%) and treated (40.7%) wastewater. HAV circulates throughout the year in the coastal areas, with the highest rates found during summer and autumn, whereas in central Tunisia, high levels were shown in autumn and winter. Total virus removal was not achieved, since no difference in mean HAV loads was observed in effluents (6.0 × 10(3) genome copies [GC]/ml) and influents (2.7 × 10(3) GC/ml). The comparison of the HAV removal values of the three different wastewater treatment methods indicates that extended aeration and oxidation ditch activated sludge had better efficiency in removing viruses than conventional activated sludge did. Molecular characterization revealed that the vast majority of HAV strains belonged to subgenotype IA, with the cocirculation of subgenotype IB in wastewater treatment plants that collect tourism wastewater. IMPORTANCE This report provides important data on the incidence, behavior, seasonality, and genotype distribution of HAV in the environment in Tunisia, as well as the risk of infection derived from its occurrence in effluents due to inadequate wastewater treatment. In addition, these findings seem to confirm that the prevalence of HAV depends on socioeconomic level, sanitary conditions in the communities, sewage facilities, the locality, and the climate. The wide dispersion of HAV in effluents proves the inefficacity of the current wastewater treatment processes used in Tunisia to remove virus; therefore, establishment of tertiary treatment processes or replacement of the medium-charge activated sludge (conventional activated sludge) by the low-charge version (oxidation ditch activated sludge) is absolutely needed. Rapid detection of the HAV genome in wastewater may provide a timely warning sign to health authorities to implement population protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Ouardani
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, CIBUS-Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Syrine Turki
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives LR99ES27, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Jesús L Romalde
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, CIBUS-Facultad de Biología, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) is recognised as a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide across all age groups. The prevalence and diversity of NoVs in many African countries is still unknown, although early sero-prevalence studies indicated widespread early infection. Reports on NoVs in Africa vary widely in terms of study duration, population groups and size, inclusion of asymptomatic controls, as well as genotyping information. This review provides an estimate of NoV prevalence and distribution of genotypes of NoVs in Africa. Inclusion criteria for the review were study duration of at least 6 months, population size of >50 and diagnosis by RT-PCR. As regions used for genotyping varied, or genotyping was not always performed, this was not considered as an inclusion criteria. A literature search containing the terms norovirus+Africa yielded 74 publications. Of these 19 studies from 14 out of the 54 countries in Africa met the inclusion criteria. Data from studies not meeting the inclusion criteria, based on sample size or short duration, were included as discussion points. The majority of studies published focused on children, under five years of age, hospitalised with acute gastroenteritis. The mean overall prevalence was 13.5% (range 0.8–25.5%) in children with gastroenteritis and 9.7% (range 7–31%) in asymptomatic controls, where tested. NoV GII.4 was the predominant genotype identified in most of the studies that presented genotyping data. Other prevalent genotypes detected included GII.3 and GII.6. In conclusion, NoV is a common pathogen in children with diarrhoea in Africa, with considerable carriage in asymptomatic children. There is however, a paucity of data on NoV infection in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Mans
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - George E. Armah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - A. Duncan Steele
- MRC Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit, University of Limpopo, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Maureen B. Taylor
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Monastiri A, Aouni M, Guix S, Mechri B, Lopez-Roig M, Abid NBS, Gueddiche N, Hamami S, Boughzala L, Serra-Cobo J. Clinical surveillance for human astrovirus in Monastir region, Tunisia. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:57. [PMID: 26796330 PMCID: PMC4722761 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims Astroviruses (AstVs) are enteric viruses that can cause gastroenteritis in children. This study is part of monitoring the circulation of astroviruses in children hospitalized and/or outpatients for acute gastroenteritis at the primary care center of Ouerdanine or at the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Fattouma-Bourguiba (Monastir, Tunisia). The aims of our study were to know the prevalence of human astrovirus in clinical samples of children, characterize the strains and evaluate the infectivity of isolated strains on cell culture. Methods Fifty stool samples were collected from children under five years old in the region of Monastir (Tunisia) from October 2010 to June 2011. All specimens were subjected to RT-PCR amplification followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results The study shows a low prevalence of astrovirus (4 %) in children. The two positive samples obtained were HAstV type 3. Samples that were RT-PCR positive were cultured in CaCO-2 cells and the presence of infectious viral particles was confirmed. The phylogenetic analysis shows that the different HAstV-3 strains isolated in Tunisia are grouped into two clusters. The first cluster includes strains obtained in 2004, which belong to lineage HAstV-3a, while strains isolated in 2010 belong to lineage HAstV-3c. Conclusions This study is part of monitoring the circulation of astroviruses in children younger than five years old from Monastir region, Tunisia. The results show low prevalence (4 %). All genotyped samples belonged to lineage HAstV-3c, which could be presently emerging. Two different lineages have been isolated in Tunisia: HAstV-3a in 2004 and HAstV-3c in 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Monastiri
- Laboratory of Contagious Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Laboratory of Contagious Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Susana Guix
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Badereddine Mechri
- Laboratory of Contagious Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Marc Lopez-Roig
- IRBIO and Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nabil Ben Salem Abid
- Laboratory of Contagious Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Neji Gueddiche
- Pediatric Department, University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sabeur Hamami
- Pediatric Department, University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Lamjed Boughzala
- Laboratory of Contagious Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- IRBIO and Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Kabue JP, Meader E, Hunter PR, Potgieter N. Human Norovirus prevalence in Africa: a review of studies from 1990 to 2013. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 21:2-17. [PMID: 26436862 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the contribution of Human Norovirus to diarrhoeal diseases in Africa. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed and EMBASE databases for published articles of Human Norovirus in Africa between 1990 and 2013. Data were extracted from selected studies and analysed. RESULTS A total of 208 eligible studies were identified, of which 55 (from 19 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Many cases were of sporadic gastroenteritis (70.9%) in children (82%), 65.4% of which were seen in an outpatient setting. Over half (59.4%) of the affected children were under 5 years of age. The pooled prevalence rate of Human NoV was 11% (95% CI 8-14%), and the meta-analysis indicated significant heterogeneity between the studies. However, the conditional negative binomial regression could not clearly find the factors affecting the Human NoV prevalence rates reported. A close relationship was found between Human Norovirus strains from environmental and clinical samples. CONCLUSION Unreported sporadic gastroenteritis cases of Human Norovirus are common in Africa. Most are community-associated infections. Possible environmental transmission routes have been documented. Combined environmental and clinical studies are required for targeted actions to control transmission of Human Norovirus in Africa. Systematic surveillance of Human Norovirus is needed to measure the burden of Norovirus-induced gastroenteritis in Africa and support any requirements for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Pierre Kabue
- Department of Microbiology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, RSA
| | - Emma Meader
- School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Paul R Hunter
- School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, RSA
| | - Natasha Potgieter
- Department of Microbiology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, RSA
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26
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Hassine-Zaafrane M, Kaplon J, Ben Salem I, Sdiri-Loulizi K, Sakly N, Pothier P, Aouni M, Ambert-Balay K. Detection and genotyping of group A rotaviruses isolated from sewage samples in Monastir, Tunisia between April 2007 and April 2010. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:1443-53. [PMID: 26248601 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To ascertain the viral load, the distribution of G and P types of group A rotaviruses (RV-A) in sewage samples and to compare strains in clinical, animal and environmental samples. METHODS AND RESULTS During our study from April 2007 to April 2010, 518 samples of raw and treated sewage were collected from two biological sewage treatment plants (STPs) located in the Monastir region, Tunisia. RV-A was detected by real-time RT-PCR in 375 (72·4%) sewage samples. According to the quantification results of RV-A, it appears that the viral load in raw and treated sewage of the two STPs was quite similar (P = 0·735). The genotyping of RV-A strains detected in sewage samples showed a great diversity with 10 G types and 8 P types. Most of them were described as common in humans, but we also detected genotypes commonly found in animals. All the genotypes detected in two previous studies performed in our laboratory on clinical and bovine samples were also found in environmental samples. However, some genotypes commonly found in animal were only found in sewage samples. CONCLUSION The comparison of environmental, clinical and animal data suggests that STPs may convey not only human sewage but also animal wastes, both of them contaminated with numerous RV-A strains which are not efficiently eliminated by the sewage treatment process and may spread to surface waters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This work demonstrates the potential release of human and animal RV-A into water sources, representing a public health risk, by inducing gastroenteritis in population, but also by increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission and formation of reassortant viruses which could get a higher infectious potential. Our findings also suggest that monitoring of sewage may provide an additional tool to determine the epidemiology of RV-A circulating in a given community.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hassine-Zaafrane
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.,National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - J Kaplon
- National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - I Ben Salem
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - K Sdiri-Loulizi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.,National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - N Sakly
- Laboratory of Immunology, University Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - P Pothier
- National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - M Aouni
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - K Ambert-Balay
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Hmaied F, Keskes S, Jebri S, Amri I, Yahya M, Loisy-Hamon F, Lebeau B, Hamdi M. Removal of Rotavirus and Bacteriophages by Membrane Bioreactor Technology from Sewage. Curr Microbiol 2015. [PMID: 26210901 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-015-0882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human enteric viruses constitute a public health concern due to their low infectious dose and their resistance to environmental factors and to inactivation processes. We aimed at assessing the performance of a laboratory scale Submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) treating abattoir wastewaters for Rotavirus (RV) and total coliphages removal. We also aimed at evaluating removal efficiency of enteric viruses through conventional activated sludge treatment by measuring concentrations of total coliphages, considered as fecal and viral contamination indicators, with double-layer agar technique. The Log10 reduction values of bacteriophages ranged from 1.06 to 1.47. Effluents were analyzed to investigate and quantify RV, hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Noroviruses genogroup I (NoV GI) and genogroup II (NoVGII), and Enterovirus (EV) by real-time PCR, using standardized detection kits (ceeramTools detection kits(®)). All effluent samples were positive for RV; concentrations ranged from 5.2 × 10(5) to 1.3 × 10(7) genome copies/L. These results highlight the inefficiency of conventional biological process for viral removal. A complete removal of RV during Membrane Bioreactor treatment was obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing an evidence of removal of RV simultaneously with total coliphages by SMBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hmaied
- Unité de Microbiologie Et Biologie Moléculaire, CNSTN, Biotech Pole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - S Keskes
- Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Tunis, Laboratoire Ecologie Technologie Microbienne, Université de Carthage, BP 676, 1080, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - S Jebri
- Unité de Microbiologie Et Biologie Moléculaire, CNSTN, Biotech Pole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - I Amri
- Unité de Microbiologie Et Biologie Moléculaire, CNSTN, Biotech Pole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - M Yahya
- Unité de Microbiologie Et Biologie Moléculaire, CNSTN, Biotech Pole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - F Loisy-Hamon
- Centre Européen d'Expertise et de Recherche sur les Agents Microbiens (CEERAM), 1 all de la Filée, BP 54424, 44244, La Chapelle-Sur-Erdre Cedex, France
| | - B Lebeau
- Centre Européen d'Expertise et de Recherche sur les Agents Microbiens (CEERAM), 1 all de la Filée, BP 54424, 44244, La Chapelle-Sur-Erdre Cedex, France
| | - M Hamdi
- Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Tunis, Laboratoire Ecologie Technologie Microbienne, Université de Carthage, BP 676, 1080, Tunis, Tunisia
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Kiulia NM, Hofstra N, Vermeulen LC, Obara MA, Medema G, Rose JB. Global occurrence and emission of rotaviruses to surface waters. Pathogens 2015; 4:229-55. [PMID: 25984911 PMCID: PMC4493472 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens4020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A rotaviruses (RV) are the major cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children globally. Waterborne transmission of RV and the presence of RV in water sources are of major public health importance. In this paper, we present the Global Waterborne Pathogen model for RV (GloWPa-Rota model) to estimate the global distribution of RV emissions to surface water. To our knowledge, this is the first model to do so. We review the literature to estimate three RV specific variables for the model: incidence, excretion rate and removal during wastewater treatment. We estimate total global RV emissions to be 2 × 1018 viral particles/grid/year, of which 87% is produced by the urban population. Hotspot regions with high RV emissions are urban areas in densely populated parts of the world, such as Bangladesh and Nigeria, while low emissions are found in rural areas in North Russia and the Australian desert. Even for industrialized regions with high population density and without tertiary treatment, such as the UK, substantial emissions are estimated. Modeling exercises like the one presented in this paper provide unique opportunities to further study these emissions to surface water, their sources and scenarios for improved management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Kiulia
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
- Enteric Viruses Research Group, Institute of Primate Research, P.O Box 24481, 00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Nynke Hofstra
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucie C Vermeulen
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maureen A Obara
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Gertjan Medema
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA, Delft, the Netherlands.
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Kraberger S, Argüello-Astorga GR, Greenfield LG, Galilee C, Law D, Martin DP, Varsani A. Characterisation of a diverse range of circular replication-associated protein encoding DNA viruses recovered from a sewage treatment oxidation pond. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 31:73-86. [PMID: 25583447 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our knowledge of circular replication-associated protein encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA virus diversity has increased dramatically in recent years, largely due to advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies. These viruses are apparently major virome components in most terrestrial and aquatic environments and it is therefore of interest to determine their diversity at the interfaces between these environments. Treated sewage water is a particularly interesting interface between terrestrial and aquatic viromes in that it is directly pumped into waterways and is likely to contain virus populations that have been strongly impacted by humans. We used a combination of high-throughput sequencing, full genome PCR amplification, cloning and Sanger sequencing to investigate the diversity of CRESS DNA viruses present in a sewage oxidation pond. Using this approach, we recovered 50 putatively complete novel CRESS viral genomes (it remains possible that some are components of multipartite viral genomes) and 11 putatively sub-genome-length circular DNA molecules which may be either defective genomes or components of multipartite genomes. Thirteen of the genomes have bidirectional genome organisations and share similar conserved replication-associated protein (Rep) motifs to those of the gemycircularviruses: a group that in turn is most closely related to the geminiviruses. The remaining 37 viral genomes share very low degrees of Rep similarity to those of all other known CRESS DNA viruses. This number of highly divergent CRESS DNA virus genomes within a single sewage treatment pond further reinforces the notion that there likely exist hundreds of completely unknown genus/family level CRESS DNA virus groupings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kraberger
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Gerardo R Argüello-Astorga
- División de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, 78216 San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico
| | - Laurence G Greenfield
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Craig Galilee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Donald Law
- The Laboratories, Christchurch City Council, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Darren P Martin
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arvind Varsani
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; Electron Microscope Unit, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Plant Pathology and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
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Kiulia NM, Mans J, Mwenda JM, Taylor MB. Norovirus GII.17 Predominates in Selected Surface Water Sources in Kenya. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2014; 6:221-31. [PMID: 25059212 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-014-9160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the prevalence and genotypes of noroviruses (NoVs) in selected water sources from rural, urban and refugee settings in Kenya were investigated. Ten litres each of river, household and borehole water was collected in rural (Mboone River), urban (Nairobi and Mutoine River) and refugee (Dadaab refugee camp) settings. NoVs were recovered from the water samples by a glass wool adsorption-elution technique and/or PEG/NaCl precipitation. Nucleic acid was extracted using the automated MagNA Pure platform. NoVs were detected with singleplex real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays and characterised by nucleotide sequence analysis. NoVs were detected in 63% (25/40) of the selected water samples comprising GII (42.5%), GI (2.5%) and mixed GI/GII (17.5%) positive samples. The prevalence of NoVs in the Mutoine River (urban area) was higher than in the Mboone River (rural area) (P = 0.0013). Noroviruses GI.1, GI.3, GI.9, GII.4, GII.6, GII.12, GII.16 and GII.17 were identified, with GII.17 accounting for 76% (16/21) of the typed strains. The NoV GII.17 predominance differs to other studies in Africa and further surveillance of NoVs in clinical and environmental settings is required to clarify/elucidate this observation. As information regarding NoVs in Kenyan water sources is limited this report provides valuable new data on NoV genotypes circulating in environmental water sources and the surrounding communities in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Kiulia
- Enteric Viruses Research Group, Institute of Primate Research, P.O Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, 00502, Kenya.
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa.
| | - J Mans
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
| | - J M Mwenda
- Enteric Viruses Research Group, Institute of Primate Research, P.O Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, 00502, Kenya
| | - M B Taylor
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, South Africa
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Béji-Hamza A, Khélifi-Gharbi H, Hassine-Zaafrane M, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Muscillo M, Petricca S, Ciccaglione AR, Bruni R, Taffon S, Equestre M, Aouni M, La Rosa G. Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Hepatitis A Virus in Wastewaters in Tunisia. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2014; 6:246-52. [PMID: 25129101 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-014-9163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis A causes substantial morbidity in both industrialized and non-industrialized countries and represents an important health problem in several southern Mediterranean countries. The objectives of the study were as follows: (a) to assess the occurrence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Tunisia through the monitoring of urban wastewaters collected at wastewater treatment plants (WTPs); (b) to characterize environmental strains; and (c) to estimate the viral load in raw and treated sewages, in order to evaluate the potential impact on superficial waters receiving discharges. A total of 150 raw and treated wastewaters were collected from three WTPs and analyzed by both qualitative (RT-PCR/nested) and quantitative (qRT-PCR) methods. Of these, 100 (66%) were found to be positive for HAV by the qualitative assay: 68.3% in influents and 64.7% in effluents. The vast majority of HAV sequences belonged to sub-genotype IA, with 11 different strains detected found to be identical to clinical strains isolated from Tunisian patients with acute hepatitis. Five unique variants were also detected, not previously reported in clinical cases. Only two IB strains were found, confirming the rarity of this sub-genotype in this country. The results of the present study indicate a wide circulation of the pathogen in the population, most probably in the form of asymptomatic infections, a finding consistent with the classification of the country as having intermediate/high endemicity. Quantitative data showed high viral loads in influents (3.5E+05 genome copies/liter, mean value) as well as effluents (2.5E+05 genome copies/liter, mean value), suggesting that contaminated water could be a critical element in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Béji-Hamza
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - H Khélifi-Gharbi
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - M Hassine-Zaafrane
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Muscillo
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Petricca
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A R Ciccaglione
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - R Bruni
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Taffon
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Equestre
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Aouni
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Rotavirus genotypes in sewage treatment plants and in children hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Italy in 2010 and 2011. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 81:241-9. [PMID: 25344240 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02695-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the molecular surveillance network RotaNet-Italy provides useful nationwide data on rotaviruses causing severe acute gastroenteritis in children in Italy, scarce information is available on rotavirus circulation in the general Italian population, including adults with mild or asymptomatic infection. We investigated the genotypes of rotaviruses present in urban wastewaters and compared them with those of viral strains from clinical pediatric cases. During 2010 and 2011, 285 sewage samples from 4 Italian cities were tested by reverse transcription-PCRs (RT-PCRs) specific for rotavirus VP7 and VP4 genes. Rotavirus was detected in 172 (60.4%) samples, 26 of which contained multiple rotavirus G (VP7 gene) genotypes, for a total of 198 G types. Thirty-two samples also contained multiple P (VP4 gene) genotypes, yielding 204 P types in 172 samples. Genotype G1 accounted for 65.6% of rotaviruses typed, followed by genotypes G2 (20.2%), G9 (7.6%), G4 (4.6%), G6 (1.0%), G3 (0.5%), and G26 (0.5%). VP4 genotype P[8] accounted for 75.0% of strains, genotype P[4] accounted for 23.0% of strains, and the uncommon genotypes P[6], P[9], P[14], and P[19] accounted for 2.0% of strains altogether. These rotavirus genotypes were also found in pediatric patients hospitalized in the same areas and years but in different proportions. Specifically, genotypes G2, G9, and P[4] were more prevalent in sewage samples than among samples from patients, which suggests either a larger circulation of the latter strains through the general population not requiring medical care or their greater survival in wastewaters. A high level of nucleotide identity in the G1, G2, and G6 VP7 sequences was observed between strains from the environment and those from patients.
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Mohan V, Rawat S, Lokesh KM, Mohan HV, Avinash Reddy D, Kumar A, Bhilegaonkar KN. Prevalence of Rotavirus in shellfish from Southern Kerala. Vet World 2014. [DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2014.821-824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Jin M, Guo X, Wang XW, Yang D, Shen ZQ, Qiu ZG, Chen ZL, Li JW. Development of a novel filter cartridge system with electropositive granule media to concentrate viruses from large volumes of natural surface water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:6947-6956. [PMID: 24865258 DOI: 10.1021/es501415m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to various infectious viruses in environmental drinking water can constitute a public health risk. However, it is difficult to detect viruses in water due to their low concentration. In this study, we have developed a novel filter cartridge system containing electropositive granule media (EGM). Viruses present in large volumes of environmental samples were adsorbed onto the EGM, and then recovered by elution and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) concentration. To evaluate the system's efficiency in viral recovery, poliovirus (PV-1), a surrogate for enteric viruses, was used to artificially contaminate river water samples which were then assayed by quantitative real-time PCR. To optimize the concentration procedure, the eluent type, water flow rate and properties (e.g., pH, bacterial, and viral loads), were evaluated. The highest virus recovery was obtained by pumping river water at a flow rate of 300 mL/min and then pushing 3 L of an eluent containing 3× broth [1.5% (w/v) NaCl, 3% (w/v) tryptone, 1.5% (w/v) beef powder] with 0.05 mol/L glycine through the filter. Using this procedure, the recovery efficiencies of PV-1 from 10 to 100 L of spiked river water were up to 99%. In addition, this method is virus load and pH dependent. Virus recovery was maximal at a load of between 10(3.5) and 10(5.5) TCID50 and a pH ranging from 5 to 7. The bacterial load in the water has no effect on virus recovery. Different types of viruses and surface water were tested to validate the system's applicability. Results revealed that the EGM filter cartridge was able to concentrate PV-1, human adenoviruses (HAdVs) and noroviruses (HuNoVs) with high efficiency from river, lake, and reservoir water. Furthermore, it showed more efficient recovery than glass wool and 1MDS filters. These data suggest that this system provides rapid and efficient virus recovery from a large volume of natural surface water and, as such, could be a useful tool in revealing the presence of viruses in surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jin
- Department of Environment and Health, Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety , Tianjin 300050, China
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Hassine-Zaafrane M, Sdiri-Loulizi K, Kaplon J, Ben Salem I, Pothier P, Aouni M, Ambert-Balay K. Molecular detection of human noroviruses in influent and effluent samples from two biological sewage treatment plants in the region of Monastir, Tunisia. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2014; 6:125-31. [PMID: 24818568 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-014-9147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Noroviruses (NoVs) are responsible for numerous cases of waterborne and foodborne gastroenteritis every year. They are released in the sewage and their detection in this environment can reflect the epidemiology of the viral strains circulating in the community. A three-year (2007-2010) survey was conducted in order to evaluate the presence of human NoVs using RT-PCR in 518 sewage samples collected at the entrance and exit of two biological sewage treatment plants located in Monastir region, Tunisia. In this study, we aimed to genetically characterize the most prevalent GI and GII NoV strains, in order to obtain a rough estimate of the efficacy of disinfection treatments and to compare the results with clinical data documented in the same area during the same period. This work confirms the wide circulation and the genetic diversity of NoVs in Tunisia and the widespread distribution of NoV variants in both raw and treated wastewater. Indeed, NoV was detected in 192 (37.1%) sewage samples, among them mixed infections with group A rotavirus were detected in 125 (65.1%) cases. The genotypes of the GI NoVs were GI.1, GI.2, GI.4, GI.5, and GI of unassigned genotype (GI.UA), and the genotypes of the GII NoVs were all GII.12. This study enhances the currently poor environmental virological data gathered in Tunisia, demonstrates the benefit of environmental surveillance as a tool to determine the epidemiology of NoVs circulating in a given community, and underlines the need for the design and support of similar long-term studies in our country, in order to compensate for the absence of a national surveillance system for gastroenteric viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Hassine-Zaafrane
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biological Agents, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia,
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Kittigul L, Panjangampatthana A, Rupprom K, Pombubpa K. Genetic diversity of rotavirus strains circulating in environmental water and bivalve shellfish in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:1299-311. [PMID: 24469269 PMCID: PMC3945539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110201299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea in young children worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of rotavirus in environmental water and oyster samples in Thailand. A total of 114 water samples and 110 oyster samples were collected and tested for group A rotavirus using RT-nested PCR. Rotavirus genotype was identified by phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 genetic sequences. Group A rotavirus was detected in 21 water samples (18.4%) and six oyster samples (5.4%). Twenty five rotavirus strains were successfully sequenced and classified into four genotypes; G1, G2, G3, and G9. Rotavirus G1 (three strains), G2 (three strains), and G9 (two strains) demonstrated the genetic sequences similar to human strains (90%-99% nucleotide identity), whereas G3 (17 strains) was closely related to animal strains (84%-98% nucleotide identity). G1 strains belonged to lineages I (sub-lineage c) and II. G2 strains belonged to lineage II. G9 strains belonged to lineages III (sub-lineage b) and IV. G3 strains belonged to lineages I, III (sub-lineage c), and IV with a predominance of lineage I. The present study provides important information on the rotavirus strains circulating in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leera Kittigul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Apinya Panjangampatthana
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Kitwadee Rupprom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Kannika Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Huynen P, Mauroy A, Martin C, Savadogo LGB, Boreux R, Thiry E, Melin P, De Mol P. Molecular epidemiology of norovirus infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic children from Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. J Clin Virol 2013; 58:515-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Murray TY, Mans J, Taylor MB. Human calicivirus diversity in wastewater in South Africa. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 114:1843-53. [PMID: 23414393 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the diversity of human caliciviruses (HuCVs) in wastewater from small- to medium-sized communities in five provinces of South Africa (SA). METHODS AND RESULTS Wastewater samples (51) were screened for norovirus (NoV) GI, GII, GIV and sapovirus (SaV) using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Partial capsid nucleotide sequences were analysed for genotyping. At least one HuCV was detected in 42 samples (82%) with NoV GI being detected in 15 (29%), NoV GII in 32 (63%) and SaV in 37 (73%) samples. NoV GIV was not detected. Five NoV GI genotypes (GI.1, GI.3, GI.4, GI.8 and GI.unassigned), eight NoV GII genotypes (GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.7, GII.12, GII.13 and GII.17) and six SaV genotypes (GI.2, GI.3, GI.6, GI.7, GII.1 and GII.2) were characterized. CONCLUSIONS Many NoV and SaV genotypes were detected in wastewater, demonstrating a high genetic diversity of HuCVs in the surrounding communities. Caliciviruses were characterized from several provinces in SA, indicating widespread occurrence in the country. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study provides valuable new data on CVs circulating in SA, including the first data on SaV strains from wastewater in Africa. Environmental surveillance is especially important in countries like SA where outbreak reporting systems or routine HuCV surveillance is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Y Murray
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa.
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De Donno A, Grassi T, Bagordo F, Idolo A, Serio F, Gabutti G. Detection of viruses in coastal seawater using Mytilus galloprovincialis as an accumulation matrix. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2012; 4:81-88. [PMID: 23412814 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-012-9079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that shellfish can be used to detect enteric viruses in marine waters where they are present at very low concentrations. Aqua-cultured mussels were placed in the sea just off the mouth of a drainage channel affected by human and animal faecal contamination. Samples were taken from the channel, the sea and the mussels at intervals over two 4-week periods. The samples were tested to verify the presence of both rotaviruses and E. coli. Rotaviruses were detected by Real Time-PCR, typed by multiplex PCR and subsequently sequenced. E. coli was enumerated in water matrices by a filtering method and in mussels by the MPN method. The presence of E. coli in the examined matrices demonstrates contamination of faecal origin throughout the studied environments. Rotaviruses were recorded in channel waters, but not in sea water. In both experiments, rotaviruses were detected in mussels 21 and 28 days after being placed in the sea water off the channel mouth. The use of mussels thus enabled the detection of rotaviruses in waters where the high dilution rendered direct investigation impossible. This study indicates that mussels can be used in marine virological surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella De Donno
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology (DiSTeBA), University of the Salento, via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
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Application of a receptor-binding capture quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assay to concentrate human norovirus from sewage and to study the distribution and stability of the virus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 78:429-36. [PMID: 22101044 DOI: 10.1128/aem.06875-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Water is an important route for human norovirus (HuNoV) transmission. Using magnetic beads conjugated with blood group-like antigens (HuNoV receptors), we developed a simple and rapid receptor-binding capture and magnetic sequestration (RBCMS) method and compared it to the existing negatively charged membrane absorption/elution (NCMAE) method for concentrating HuNoV from sewage effluent. RBCMS required 6-fold-less sample volume than the NCMAE method and also resulted in a significantly higher yield of HuNoV. The NCMAE and RBCMS concentrations of genogroup I (GI) HuNoV measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) resulted in average threshold cycle (C(T)) values of 34.68 (8.68 copies, 252-fold concentration) versus 34.07 (13.05 copies, 477-fold concentration), respectively; the NCMAE and RBCMS concentrations of genogroup II (GII) HuNoV were measured as average C(T) values of 33.32 (24.7 copies, 239-fold concentration) versus 32.38 (46.9 copies, 333-fold concentration), respectively. The specificity of qRT-PCR was confirmed by traditional RT-PCR and an RNase I protection assay. The qRT-PCR signal from RBCMS-concentrated HuNoV treated with RNase I indicated that it was from encapsidated RNA and, probably, viable virus. In contrast, the qRT-PCR signal from NCMAE-concentrated HuNoV was not protected from RNase I and, likely, degradation. Both GI and GII HuNoV were detected from sewage effluent samples collected between April and July with average concentrations of 7.8 × 10(3) genomic copies per liter (gc/liter) and 4.3 × 10(4) gc/liter, respectively. No GI and <2% GII HuNoV were detected in sewage samples stored at room temperature for 4 weeks. We conclude that RBCMS requires less sample volume, has better recovery and sensitivity, and is faster than NCMAE for detection of HuNoV in sewage.
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Fumian TM, Leite JPG, Rose TL, Prado T, Miagostovich MP. One year environmental surveillance of rotavirus specie A (RVA) genotypes in circulation after the introduction of the Rotarix® vaccine in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. WATER RESEARCH 2011; 45:5755-63. [PMID: 21917289 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Rotavirus specie A (RVA) infection is the leading cause of severe acute diarrhea among young children worldwide. To reduce this major RVA health impact, the Rotarix® vaccine (GlaxoSmithKline, Rixensart, Belgium) was introduced in the Brazilian Expanded Immunization Program in March 2006 and became available to the entire birth cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of RVA in the environment after the introduction of Rotarix® in Brazil. For this purpose, a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) in Rio de Janeiro was monitored for one year to detect, characterize and discriminate RVA genotypes and identify possible circulation of vaccine strains. Using TaqMan® quantitative PCR (qPCR), RVA was detected in 100% (mean viral loads from 2.40×10(5) to 1.16×10(7) genome copies (GC)/L) of sewage influent samples and 71% (mean viral loads from 1.35×10(3) to 1.64×10(5)GC/L) of sewage effluent samples. The most prevalent RVA genotypes were P[4], P[6] and G2, based on VP4 and VP7 classification. Direct nucleotide sequencing (NSP4 fragment) and restriction enzyme digestion (NSP3) analysis did not detect RVA vaccine-like strains from the sewage samples. These data on RVA detection, quantification and molecular characterization highlight the importance of environmental monitoring as a tool to study RVA epidemiology in the surrounding human population and may be useful on ongoing vaccine monitoring programs, since sewage may be a good screening option for a rapid and economical overview of the circulating genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulio Machado Fumian
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.
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Bucardo F, Lindgren PE, Svensson L, Nordgren J. Low prevalence of rotavirus and high prevalence of norovirus in hospital and community wastewater after introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Nicaragua. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25962. [PMID: 22016794 PMCID: PMC3189239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) are major causes of pediatric diarrhea and are altogether associated with approximately 800,000 deaths in young children every year. In Nicaragua, national RV vaccination program using the pentavalent RV5 vaccine from Merck was implemented in October 2006. To determine whether RV vaccination decreased the overall number of RV infections, we investigated the occurrence of RV and NoV in wastewater in the city of León from July 2007 to July 2008 and compared these data with pre-vaccination data. The major finding was the low prevalence of RV compared to NoV in all sampling points (11% vs 44%, p<0.05), and that RV concentration was lower as compared to NoV. RV was observed mainly during the rainy season (July–September), and the majority of all RV detected (6/9) belonged to subgroup (SG) I. The partial VP7-gene obtained from one RV positive sample was similar (99% nt identity) to a G6 VP7-gene of bovine origin and similar to the corresponding gene of the vaccine strain (98%). Furthermore RV G-types 2 and 4 were found in the incoming wastewater. NoV strains were detected throughout the year, of which a majority (20/21) were of genotype GII.4. We conclude that the introduction of RV vaccination reduced the transmission of RV in the community in Nicaragua. However, the burden of diarrhea in the country remains high, and the high prevalence of NoVs in hospital and municipal wastewater is noteworthy. This study highlights the need for further assessment of NoV following RV vaccine introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filemón Bucardo
- Department of Microbiology, University of León, León, Nicaragua
- Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lennart Svensson
- Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Nordgren
- Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Kokkinos P, Ziros P, Meri D, Filippidou S, Kolla S, Galanis A, Vantarakis A. Environmental surveillance. An additional/alternative approach for virological surveillance in Greece? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:1914-22. [PMID: 21776209 PMCID: PMC3138004 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8061914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The detection of viruses in the sewage of an urban city by nucleic acid amplification techniques allows the identification of the viral strains that are circulating in the community. The aim of the study was the application of such detection which gives useful data on the distribution, spread, and frequency of these viruses, supporting epidemiological studies of the related viral infections. A two year (2007–2009) survey was conducted in order to evaluate the presence of human adenoviruses (hAdV), hepatitis A viruses (HAV), hepatitis E viruses (HEV), noroviruses (NoV), and human polyomaviruses (hPyV) in sewage samples collected from the inlet of a municipal biological wastewater treatment plant located in southwestern Greece. PCR methods were used for this survey. In total, viruses have been detected in 87.5% (42/48) of the analyzed sewage samples. Analytically, DNA viruses, hAdVs and hPyVs have been detected in 45.8% (22/48) and 68.8% (33/48) of the samples, respectively. As it concerns RNA viruses, HAV was detected in 8.3% (4/48), NoVs in 6.3% (3/48), while HEV has not been detected at all. After sequencing, AdVs were typed as Ad8, Ad40 and Ad41, while both JC and BK hPyVs have been recognized. All NoVs have been identified as GII4, while HAV was typed as genotype IA. Similar long-term studies could be undertaken in countries such as Greece in order to offer a valuable and complementary tool to current problematic epidemiological surveillance systems. This study demonstrates the advantages of environmental surveillance as a tool to determine the epidemiology of viruses circulating in a given community. To our knowledge this was the first of its kind study performed in Greece in order to establish this new way of surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Kokkinos
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; E-Mails: (P.K.); (P.Z.); (D.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Panos Ziros
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; E-Mails: (P.K.); (P.Z.); (D.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Danai Meri
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; E-Mails: (P.K.); (P.Z.); (D.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Sevasti Filippidou
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; E-Mails: (P.K.); (P.Z.); (D.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Stella Kolla
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, GR 68100, Greece; E-Mails: (S.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexis Galanis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, GR 68100, Greece; E-Mails: (S.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Apostolos Vantarakis
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; E-Mails: (P.K.); (P.Z.); (D.M.); (S.F.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +30-2610-969875
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