[Survival of enteric viruses adsorbed on glass microfibers during postal transport]

The survival of enteric viruses (poliovirus type 1, Mahoney strain, and indigenous viruses of waste waters) has been studied after adsorption of the viruses (pH 3.5) on glass microfiber filters. After postal transport, the presence of the viruses was checked on the filters being soaked in a 3% beef extract solution (pH 7.5) either frozen or without protection against heat. Viruses were recovered at a rate of 59 to 65%. For qualitative studies, postal shipment of samples adsorbed on fiberglass may allow extension of a control system for enteroviruses in water.