Molecular detection of Human Adenovirus and Human Bocavirus in wastewater and drain water in the western Nile Delta of Egypt

Abstract

HAdV and HBoV are frequently found in different water sources throughout the year. Due to their health impact on humans, continuous monitoring of these viruses is considered an important tool to evaluate their circulation within society. This study investigates the prevalence of HAdV and HBoV in different environmental samples collected from the western Nile Delta of Egypt. In total, 264 samples were collected from treated and untreated sewage (48), sewage sludge (24), drainage water (96), and drainage sediment (96) from December 2019 to November 2021. Molecular detection was performed to detect both viruses in the collected samples. The results indicated that HAdV was more prevalent than HBoV in all types of sewage samples, with the highest detection rate in untreated sewage. Both viruses were relatively lower in sludge sewage samples, while in drainage water and sediment samples were detected with similar frequencies, although the detection rates were generally lower than those observed in sewage samples. Moreover, no significant seasonal distribution of both viruses was observed throughout the year. The results of this study emphasize the importance of monitoring the presence of these viruses in environmental samples with proper treatment and disposal of sewage to ensure public health and safety. HIGHLIGHTS The first study that shows the prevalence of enteric viruses in the aquatic environment in the western delta region of Egypt.; HAdV and HBoV were detected in treated and untreated wastewater samples.; Both viruses did not show any significant seasonal variation.;

Keywords

• environmental virology
• nile delta
• sewage monitoring
• viral contamination
• wastewater treatment