Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis A virus identification in an outbreak by enzymatic amplification
M Divizia1, C Gnesivo, R Amore Bonapasta
1Dept. of Public Health University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatitis A virus was detected in school well water, confirming it as a source of infection. This highlights the importance of water quality testing during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- A hepatitis A outbreak occurred in a Rome school and college in 1987.
- The primary risk factor identified was full-time attendance and boarding at the institution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of well water contamination in the hepatitis A outbreak.
- To isolate and identify the Hepatitis A virus in environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological and virological analyses of well water samples.
- Concentration of water samples using adsorption-elution and ultrafiltration.
- Isolation and identification of Hepatitis A virus using tissue culture, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and PCR.
Main Results:
- The well water was deemed undrinkable due to high coliform and bacteria counts.
- Infectious Hepatitis A virus was isolated from water concentrated via adsorption-elution.
- PCR testing confirmed the presence of Hepatitis A virus in concentrated water samples.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated well water was identified as a source of Hepatitis A virus transmission.
- The adsorption-elution method proved effective for isolating Hepatitis A virus from water.
- Environmental surveillance is crucial for controlling infectious disease outbreaks.