@article {Charles:June 2009:1364-5072:1827,
author = "Charles, K.J.",
author = "Shore, J.",
author = "Sellwood, J.",
author = "Laverick, M.",
author = "Hart, A.",
author = "Pedley, S.",
title = "Assessment of the stability of human viruses and coliphage in groundwater by PCR and infectivity methods",
journal = "Journal of Applied Microbiology",
volume = "106",
year = "June 2009",
abstract = "Aim: To investigate the potential health hazard from infectious viruses where coliphages, or viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been detected in groundwater. Two aspects were investigated: the relationship between infectivity and detection by PCR and the stability of coliphage compared to human viruses. Methods and Results: Virus decay (1 year) and detection (2 years) studies were undertaken on groundwater at 12°C. The order of virus stability from most to least stable in groundwater, based on first-order inactivation, was: coliphage ΦX174 (0·5 d−1) > adenovirus 2 > coliphage PRD1 > poliovirus 3 > coxsackie virus B1 (0·13 d−1). The order for PCR results was: norovirus genotype II > adenovirus > norovirus genotype I > enterovirus. Conclusions: Enterovirus and adenovirus detection by PCR and the duration of infectivity in groundwater followed similar trends over the time period studied. Adenovirus might be a better method for assessing groundwater contamination than using enterovirus; norovirus detection would provide information on a significant human health hazard. Bacteriophage is a good alternative indicator. Significance and Impact of the Study: PCR is a useful tool for identifying the health hazard from faecal contamination in groundwater where conditions are conducive to the survival of viruses and their nucleic acid.",
pages = "1827-1837(11)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jam/2009/00000106/00000006/art00006"
doi = "doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04150.x"
}