Epidemiological surveillance of enteric viruses in sewage samples in East Macedonia and Thrace region in Greece

Abstract

The enteric viruses (EVs) are the most common and widespread human viruses, as they can spread in the environment through the faecal excretion. These infectious agents may cause outbreaks throughout the year. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental presence of EVs using molecular methods. A total of 144 wastewater samples were collected between December 2004 and November 2006 from six sewage treatment plants in Greece. The sampling was carried out once a month. Out of the 144 examined wastewater samples, 59.7%, 40.9%, 17.3%, 34%, 2% were positive to the detection of adenovirus, enterovirus, norovirus GI, norovirus GII and hepatitis A, respectively. Our results indicated the potential public health risk associated with transmission of human enteric viruses through environmental wastewater routes. This is the first time that enteric viruses have been isolated in the region of East Macedonia and Thrace in Greece.