[Study on membrane adsorption-elution method for concentration of enteroviruses from environmental waters]

A simple and efficient method for concentration of enteroviruses from water sample was established based on the membrane adsorption-elution method combined with eluant concentration. By means of real-time RT-PCR, microporous filters with various nominal pores and materials were compared; the membrane elution method was modified; the effect of PEG on virus recovery was studied; the optimal method was determined at last. In view of the virus recovery and cost, cellulose mixed-ester microporous filter with nominal pore size of 0.22 microm was superior to other filters. Magnetism agitation was used for membrane elution and the optimal final mass concentration of PEG was 130 g/L in eluant concentration step. The recovery of virus was studied in every step in various seeding viruses. The method was tested in surface water, secondary effluent and sewage seeded with viruses. The results showed that the modified method was reliable and suitable for separation and concentration of enteroviruses from various water samples.