Removal of hepatitis A virus from water by polyacrylonitrile-based ultrafiltration membranes

Ultrafiltration-based polyacrylonitrile membranes (UF-membranes) were evaluated for their ability to retain tissue culture adapted indigenous hepatitis A virus from water. Amicon cell (dead-end ultrafiltration unit)-based experiment was set up and viral assay was carried out using rapid and sensitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR results show retention of virus particles by the polyacrylonitrile membranes. A protocol for routine virological evaluation of membranes is described and the use of these membranes for water purification units and for virus concentration systems for field application is discussed.