Analytical Methods for Food and Environmental Viruses

Abstract

There are many challenges for developing and selecting methods to detect enteric viruses from food and environmental samples. Growth methods are rarely available and the viruses have a low infectious dose, so methods must be very sensitive as well as specific. This review discusses methods for sample preparation, detection and typing, outlining strengths and weaknesses for different protocols. Enteric viruses are very stable in the environment and the development of effective detection methods is an important step towards reducing contamination of foods and the environment.

Adsorption-Elution Techniques and Molecular Detection of Enteric Viruses from Water

“…The analysis of water for enteric viruses is a two stage process: the first step is to apply efficient viral recovery and concentration procedures from large volumes (10-1000 L) of water [12,13], thereafter, a range of isolation and/or detection methods may be applied [6,8,14,15]. Important criteria to be considered when concentrating viruses from water are: a.…”

“…Many methods for reconcentration/ secondary concentration of viruses from various eluates are available. Most are based on acid precipitation [6] and organic flocculation [14]. One disadvantage for these two methods is operating pH range for the procedures (pH 3.0-4.5).…”

“…One disadvantage for these two methods is operating pH range for the procedures (pH 3.0-4.5). The low pH compromises the viability of viruses like RVs [6]. Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600 ) precipitation was found to be an effective secondary concentration method for detection of human enteric viruses [6,30].…”

“…The low pH compromises the viability of viruses like RVs [6]. Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600 ) precipitation was found to be an effective secondary concentration method for detection of human enteric viruses [6,30]. The advantage of PEG is that it is simple and inexpensive, non-destructive to viruses [6] and has been applied to concentrate many different enteric viruses, namely Pv, Rv , hepatitis A (HAV) and norovirus (Nov) from water [31].…”

“…There is therefore need to have multiple or supplementary indicators which include enteric viruses and if possible to directly monitor the levels of viral pathogens in surface waters, irrigation water, sewage effluent as well as treated drinking water for public health safety and quality assessment [5]. However due to the low concentration of viruses in water matrices and presence of inhibitors, efficient concentration methods from large quantities are essential [5,6].…”