DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract


Out of the nearly 700 different kinds of viruses that have been isolated from man, about 100 belong to the "enteric" virus group. They are excreted in large numbers in the feces of infected individuals. Entry of such fecal matter into the water environment leads to its pollution with enteric viruses, where these agents can survive for prolonged periods. Conventional methods of sewage and water treatment are relatively inefficient in their removal and inactivation. Virally polluted waters can, therefore, be potentially dangerous to human health when used for drinking, swimming, and cultivation of vegetables and shell fish which are consumed raw. Several water-borne outbreaks of hepatitits A, adenoviral pharyngo-conjunctival fever and acute viral gastroenteritis have been recorded. A number of other enteric viruses are also believed to be capable of water-borne spread. Even today, more than half of the people living in the developing world rely on sewage-polluted sources for their potable and recreational water needs. As a result, water-borne infections due to viruses and other infectious agents represent major problems of public health in these areas. Therefore, abatement of sewage pollution of the water environment must form an integral part of any attempt at raising the standards of health in these areas.