Bioaccumulation of animal adenoviruses in the pink shrimp

Adenoviruses are among the most promising viral markers of fecal contamination. They are frequently found in the water, sediment and soil of regions impacted by human activity. Studies of the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in shrimp are scarce. The cities located in the northern coast of the lake systems in Southern Brazil have high urbanization and intensive farming rates, and poor sewage collection and treatment. One hundred (n = 100) Farfantepenaeus paulensis pink-shrimp specimens and 48 water samples were collected from coastal lagoons between June 2012 and May 2013. Water samples were concentrated and the shrimp, mashed. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in order to detect and quantify viral genomes. Thirty-five percent of shrimp samples were positive for contamination, predominantly by avian adenoviruses. A total of 91.7% of water samples contained adenoviruses DNA, with the human form being the most frequent. Our results provided evidence of significant bioaccumulation of adenoviruses in shrimp, showing the extent of the impact of fecal pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

Caffeine as an indicator of human fecal contamination in the Sinos River: a preliminary study

The preservation of hydric resources is directly related to fecal contamination monitoring, in order to allow the development of strategies for the management of polluting sources. In the present study, twenty-five water samples from six water public supply collection sites were used for the evaluation of the presence of caffeine, total and fecal coliforms. Caffeine was detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.15 ng mL-1 to 16.72 ng mL-1. Total coliforms were detected in all samples, with concentrations in the range of 52 NMP/100 mL to higher than 24196 NMP/100 mL, whether the concentration range for fecal coliforms was in the range of below 1 NMP/100 mL to 7800 NMP/100 mL. No significant correlation was found between total coliforms and caffeine concentrations (rs = 0.35, p = 0.09). However, a moderate correlation between fecal coliforms and caffeine concentrations was found (rs = 0.412, p <0.05), probably indicating a human source for these bacteria. Caffeine determination in water may be a useful strategy to evaluate water contamination by human fecal waste.

Human adenovirus (HAdV), human enterovirus (hEV), and genogroup A rotavirus (GARV) in tap water in southern Brazil

The effects of viral gastroenteritis are more devastating in children than in any other age category. Thus, children exposed to the consumption of low quality water are at an increased risk of infection, especially in regions where sanitation is inadequate. The present study aimed to provide a survey of the occurrence of representative enteric viruses: human adenovirus (HAdV), human enteroviruses (hEV), and genogroup A rotavirus (GARV) in tap water samples collected in public schools located at six municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Seventy-three schools were included in the study and tap water samples were analyzed by conventional PCR for the presence of HAdV, hEV, and GARV genomes. hEV showed the highest detection rate (27.4%), followed by HAdV (23.3%), and GARV (16.4%). New approaches to water monitoring should be considered to promote a better water quality and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, especially considering drinking water to be served to vulnerable individuals.