Molecular detection of human adenovirus and bocavirus in wastewater and drain water in the western Nile Delta of Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background: Human Adenovirus (HAdV) and Human Bocavirus (HBoV) are frequently found in different water sources throughout the year. Due to their health impact on humans, especially children, continuous monitoring of these viruses is one of the important tools to evaluate their circulation within society. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HAdV and HBoV in different environmental samples collected from the western Nile Delta of Egypt. Methods A total of 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 by nested PCR was performed to detect both HAdV and HBoV in the collected samples. Results The results indicated that HAdV was more prevalent than HBoV in all types of sewage samples, with the highest detection rate in untreated sewage. Moreover, the detection rates of both viruses were relatively lower in sludge sewage samples. In drainage water and sediment samples, HAdV and HBoV were detected with similar frequencies, although the detection rates were generally lower than those observed in sewage samples. Conclusions These findings suggest that sewage and drainage water may serve as potential sources for the dissemination of these viruses in the environment. The results of this study emphasize the importance of monitoring the presence of these viruses in wastewater and other environmental samples to ensure public health and safety. Proper treatment and disposal of sewage should be done correctly to minimize their transmission and potential health risks.