Serological detection of human group A rotaviruses in urban sewage, hospital sewage and river water samples in Alborz Province

Human group A rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children This cross-sectional study was carried out on 76 samples collected from both influent and effluent water of 4 sewage treatment systems, hospital sewage, Karaj and Baraghan rivers in Alborz Province. All samples were concentrated using pellet method. Afterwards, human group A rotaviruses were detected using ELISA method.
In total, rotaviruses were identified in 6 samples (7.89%) using ELISA method. A significant relationship was found between rotavirus detection and sampling site (P=0.039). The frequency of rotavirus detection in summer, autumn and winter was 1 sample (16.66%), 3 samples (50%) and 2 samples (33.33%), respectively.
This study showed the contamination of environmental water by human group A rotaviruses. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor sewage treatment systems and river water for detecting rotaviruses.