Evaluation of integrated cell culture-PCR (C-PCR) for virological analysis of environmental samples.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to establish an integrated culture-polymerase chain reaction (C-PCR) method for detection of enteric viruses in environmental samples, and to evaluate it for sensitivity, speed and provision of virus infectivity data.


RESULTS
C-PCR, direct reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, PCR and plaque assay methods were used to detect enteroviruses and adenoviruses in seeded and naturally contaminated environmental samples. Using C-PCR, infectious enterovirus presence was confirmed in 3 d and adenovirus presence in 5 d, compared with up to 10 d required by conventional cell culture methods.


CONCLUSIONS
C-PCR was the preferred method for detection of enteric viruses in environmental samples containing high viral concentrations. It was less successful for samples with low viral concentrations or containing toxic materials or inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
C-PCR provides sensitive, specific results within 2-5 d and is useful as a rapid screen for environmental samples of low toxicity.
Greening
G E
GE
Communicable Disease Group, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Porirua, New Zealand. gail.greening@esr.cri.nz
Hewitt
J
J
Lewis
G D
GD
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D004770:Enterovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012722:Sewage / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay / Q000379:methods; D014871:Water Microbiology
D012722:Sewage