THE APPLICATION OF A POLIOVIRUS CDNA PROBE FOR THE DETECTION OF ENTEROVIRUSES IN WATER

A technique for the detection of enteroviruses in water using gene probes in a dot blot assay is described. Polivirus cDNA probes were labeled with [32P] dCTP and [32P] dATP to a specific activity greater than 2.0 x 10(9) cpm/mu-g DNA. Autoradiograph times were compared to determine the minimum time required to optimize the sensitivity of the test. One infectious unit of poliovirus was detected from cell harvests within 48 hours using gene probes. Potential false positive reactions between bacterial DNA in environmental samples and vector DNA were controlled by both base hydrolysis of viral RNA and enzymatic treatment of the sample. Upon comparison to cell culture, the dot blot assay was as sensitive for the detection of virus in sewage contaminated groundwater.