Immunomagnetic capture PCR for rapid concentration and detection of hepatitis A virus from environmental samples

We studied the concentration of hepatitis A virus (HAV) from environmental samples by membrane filter-based urea-arginine phosphate buffer and its detection by using immunomagnetic capture (IC) reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (IC PCR). Magnetic beads coated with anti-HAV rabbit antibodies were used for enrichment and concentration of HAV from environmental samples. IC PCR is sensitive enough to detect as few as 0.04 PFU of cell culture-adapted HAV in inoculated water and sewage samples. IC PCR is specific and does not yield positive reactions with poliovirus 1, HAV RNA, or selected bacteriophages. IC concentrates viruses suspended in small volumes to microliter volumes that can be used directly in RT-PCR. IC concentration of viruses from sewage samples without concentration of inhibitory substances is important for successful RT-PCR detection. In a field trial, 2 of 18 raw sewage samples tested by IC PCR were positive for HAV.