Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples
Published on: May 11, 2019
Occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in small drinking-water systems in Costa Rica
Kenia Barrantes1, Luz Chacón1, Eric Morales1
1Infection and Nutrition Section, Health Research Institute, University of Costa Rica, P.O. Box 11501-2060, San José, Costa Rica
Abstract:
This study describes the quality of drinking water sampled over 2 years (2018 and 2019) from 20 ASADAS (Spanish acronym for Administrative Associations for Water and Sewer Systems) in Costa Rica. The analysis included Rotavirus (RV), somatic coliphages, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli. The ASADAS were categorized into three regions as temperate rainy (region 1), tropical rainy (region 2), and tropical rainy and dry (region 3) according to biogeographic classification. The concentrations of fecal coliforms and E. coli were higher in samples from surface water sources from the ASADAS in region 3 compared to regions 1 and 2. RV-positive samples (24/296) were detected in drinking-water samples from regions 2 and 3 during dry and transition seasons, with higher concentrations more frequently in the dry season. In addition, somatic coliphages were detected in samples from the three regions, with higher concentrations in region 2. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between somatic coliphages and diarrheal cases, classified as outbreaks or alerts in the region. Thus, the results confirmed that somatic coliphages are a good indicator of the presence of diarrhea cases in a specific region.
Related Concept Videos
Quality of Water
Testing Water Quality
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.

