Global public health implications of human exposure to viral contaminated water

Abstract

Enteric viruses are common waterborne pathogens found in environmental water bodies contaminated with either raw or partially treated sewage discharge. Examples of these viruses include adenovirus, rotavirus, noroviruses, and other caliciviruses and enteroviruses like coxsackievirus and polioviruses. They have been linked with gastroenteritis, while some enteric viruses have also been implicated in more severe infections such as encephalitis, meningitis, hepatitis (hepatitis A and E viruses), cancer (polyomavirus), and myocarditis (enteroviruses). Therefore, this review presents information on the occurrence of enteric viruses of public health importance, diseases associated with human exposure to enteric viruses, assessment of their presence in contaminated water, and their removal in water and wastewater sources. In order to prevent illnesses associated with human exposure to viral contaminated water, we suggest the regular viral monitoring of treated wastewater before discharging it into the environment. Furthermore, we highlight the need for more research to focus on the development of more holistic disinfection methods that will inactivate waterborne viruses in municipal wastewater discharges, as this is highly needed to curtail the public health effects of human exposure to contaminated water. Moreover, such a method must be devoid of disinfection by-products that have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential.

Evaluation of enterovirus concentration, species identification, and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in patients of different ages with aseptic meningitis in São Paulo, Brazil

“…43 These viruses can subsequently be transmitted through the consumption of agricultural products irrigated with wastewater, activities in contaminated recreational waters, and improper exposure to treated wastewater, especially in urban areas with inadequate infrastructure, as has been observed in Latin America. 43,44 Additionally, despite limited information regarding species prevalence in South America, the exclusive detection of EV-A and EV-B species aligns with existing literature on CNS infections caused by EV in this continent. 14,16,19,41,45 Notably, species B is recognized as the most prevalent worldwide and the absence of other EV species in CSF samples is likely attributed to their lower neurotropism.…”

“…During rainy seasons, floods and overloaded water treatment stations significantly increase the risk of contamination of effluents by enteric viruses, including EV 43 . These viruses can subsequently be transmitted through the consumption of agricultural products irrigated with wastewater, activities in contaminated recreational waters, and improper exposure to treated wastewater, especially in urban areas with inadequate infrastructure, as has been observed in Latin America 43,44 …”

Ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxymonosulfate disinfection of MS2 coliphage in water

“…6 Moreover, viruses can persist widely in the environment for a long time in surface water, wastewater, and even in treated effluents or drinking water. 6 Iaconelli et al detected enteroviruses, human adenoviruses, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis E virus in raw sewage water, 7 and astroviruses and rotaviruses have also been found in surface waters throughout the world. 8,9 Furthermore, according to Rodríguez-Lázaro et al, hepatitis A virus can survive for almost 60 days in tap water and can subsist for more than 6 weeks in surface water.…”

The Multifaceted Role of Annexin A1 in Viral Infections

“…For instance, approximately 294,000 to 518,000 deaths are associated to influenza infections annually [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In addition, more than 150 enteric viruses are associated with waterborne human disease [ 5 ], making viral infections a substantial challenge to public health. Given the recent reports of viral disease outbreaks around the world, a significant effort has been made for the development of effective vaccines and antiviral drugs [ 6 , 7 ].…”