Adenovirus and rotavirus in surface water of the Ribeirão Preto stream, São Paulo, Brazil

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20164004474480

Abstract

Water resources have been suffering with the changes in demographic expansion and the lack of basic sanitation. These
factors directly interfere with the quality of these resources due to the discharge of toxic chemicals and pathogenic
bio-agents. The waterborne enteric viruses, such as rotavirus and adenovirus, deserve attention considering its impact
on public health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of adenovirus and rotavirus in surface water of
Ribeirão Preto stream. Samplings were conducted in 11 different points from the spring to the confluence with the Rio
Pardo. The ELISA test was carried out for the detection of viruses (RIDASCREEN® adenovirus, rotavirus RIDASCREEN®
- R-Biopharm). According to the results, 73% of the samples were positive for adenovirus, while 36% were positive for
rotavirus. Given the virulence of these enteric viruses and the vulnerability of immunosuppressed individuals, i.e. the
elderly and children, contamination with these waterborne pathogens widely disseminated in surface water is concerning.