Environmental tracking of viral pathogens in surface waters around Paris using high-throughput PCR

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Virology
• Public health

Background:

• Surface waters receiving wastewater are prone to microbiological contamination.
• Viruses can persist in the environment, posing potential health risks.
• Assessing viral contamination in urban rivers is crucial for public health protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the viral contamination of the Seine and Marne rivers in the Paris area.
• To quantify Norovirus GI and GII and detect a broad range of human viruses.
• To evaluate the utility of a high-throughput PCR array for environmental virus surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 42 water samples collected in winter and summer 2023.
• Quantification of Norovirus GI and GII using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
• Qualitative detection of 30 viruses using a high-throughput PCR array.

Main Results:

• Noroviruses were detected in 10-82% of samples, with concentrations up to 1.1 × 10^3 genome copies/L.
• Aichivirus, adenovirus, and bocavirus were the most prevalent human viruses (74-83%).
• The PCR array successfully detected diverse viruses, including enteric and respiratory pathogens.

Conclusions:

• The Seine and Marne rivers are contaminated with a variety of human viruses.
• High-throughput PCR arrays are effective tools for rapid and comprehensive environmental virus surveillance.
• Findings underscore the importance of monitoring viral contamination in surface waters for public health.