Molecular characterization of enterovirus detected in cerebrospinal fluid and wastewater samples in Monastir,...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Enteroviruses (EVs) are a primary cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide.
• This study investigated EV prevalence in Tunisian children with meningitis symptoms.
• EV types from clinical samples were compared with those found in wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Enterovirus infections in children with meningitis in Tunisia.
• To compare EV types detected in clinical meningitis cases with those present in wastewater.
• To understand the circulation of EV strains within a specific region.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 200 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with suspected meningitis.
• Analysis of 80 wastewater samples collected over a three-year period.
• Detection and genotyping of EVs using PCR and sequencing, including phylogenetic analysis of the 3'-VP1 region.

Main Results:

• EVs were detected in 12% of CSF samples and 35% of wastewater samples.
• Common EV types in CSF included CVB3, E-30, and E-9; similar types were found in wastewater, alongside others potentially less pathogenic.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse circulating strains, with some identical strains of E-9, E-11, and CVB3 found in both CSF and wastewater.

Conclusions:

• Epidemiological studies are crucial for monitoring EV infections.
• Understanding the emergence of specific EV types and variants is vital for public health surveillance.
• Shared EV strains in clinical and environmental samples highlight potential transmission pathways and the need for continued monitoring.