Abstract

LENIS, Cristina et al. Viral genome fragments suggests contamination of human drinking water. Infect. [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.2, pp.104-111. ISSN 0123-9392.

Objective: To determine the presence of rotavirus and norovirus in drinking water in a northern neighborhood in Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods: Eight weekly samples of water were collected and ultrafiltered in order to detect the viral genome presence. The technique used for detection of genome segments was RT-PCR. VP6 gene from rotavirus and ORF2 segment from norovirus were selected in order to find the virus in the water. This study was performed in a higher education institution located in a periurban zone near Bogotá, 45 km away from the aqueduct that services the area. The zone is surrounded by dairy cattle farms, malls and four cemeteries. Water was collected in clean polypropylene containers. There were a total of 64 samples of 5 liters of water each. Results: Viral segments were found in 12.5% of the samples. We found rotavirus in four samples and norovirus in another 4. Besides discussing the importance of viral contamination in drinking water, we discussed the meaning of finding only viral segments and not complete and infectious viral particles.

Keywords : drinking water; rotavirus; norovirus.

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