Pathogenic human viruses in coastal waters
This review addresses both historical and recent investigations into viral contamination of marine waters. With the relatively recent emergence of molecular biology-based assays, a number of investigations have shown that pathogenic viruses are prevalent in marine waters being impacted by sewage. Research has shown that this group of fecal-oral viral pathogens (enteroviruses, hepatitis A viruses, Norwalk viruses, reoviruses, adenoviruses, rotaviruses, etc.) can cause a broad range of asymptomatic to severe gastrointestinal, respiratory, and eye, nose, ear, and skin infections in people exposed through recreational use of the water. The viruses and the nucleic acid signature survive for an extended period in the marine environment. One of the primary concerns of public health officials is the relationship between the presence of pathogens and the recreational risk to human health in polluted marine environments. While a number of studies have attempted to address this issue, the relationship is still poorly understood. A contributing factor to our lack of progress in the field has been the lack of sensitive methods to detect the broad range of both bacterial and viral pathogens. The application of new and advanced molecular methods will continue to contribute to our current state of knowledge in this emerging and
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2003 |
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Title | Pathogenic human viruses in coastal waters |
DOI | 10.1128/CMR.16.1.129-143.2003 |
Authors | Dale W. Griffin, Kim A. Donaldson, J.H. Paul, Joan B. Rose |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Clinical Microbiology Reviews |
Index ID | 70122709 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coastal and Marine Geology Program |