Human and animal enteric virus in groundwater from deep wells, and recreational and network water

This study was designed to assess the presence of human adenovirus (HAdV), rotavirus-A (RVA), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and porcine circovirus-2 (PCV2) in groundwater from deep wells, and recreational and network waters. The water samples were collected and concentrated and the virus genomes were assessed and quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Infectious HAdV was evaluated in groundwater and network water samples by integrated cell culture using transcribed messenger RNA (mRNA) (ICC-RT-qPCR). In recreational water samples, HAdV was detected in 100 % (6/6), HAV in 66.6 % (4/6), and RVA in 66.6 % (4/6). In network water, HAdV was detected in 100 % (6/6) of the samples (these 83 % contained infectious HAdV), although HAV and RVA were not detected and PCV2 was not evaluated. In groundwater from deep wells, during rainy period, HAdV and RVA were detected in 80 % (4/5) of the samples, and HAV and PCV2 were not detected; however, during dry period, HAdV and RVA were detected in 60 % (3/5), HAV in only one sample, and PCV2 in 60 % (4/5). In groundwater, all samples contained infectious HAdV. PCV2 presence in groundwater is indicative of contamination caused by swine manure in Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The disinfection of human and animal wastes is urgent, since they can contaminate surface and groundwater, being a potential threat for public and animal health.