Key result
PCR detected enteroviral nucleic acid sequences in 87.5% (21 of 24) of sludge-amended soil samples, whereas cell culture assays showed no infectivity.
Observational (n=24)
PCR can detect intact viral nucleic acid sequences in sludge-amended soils months after application, indicating significant viral transport, though these particles may not be infectious in cell culture.
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PCR-positive enteroviral sequences in sludge-amended soil lack cell-culture infectivity; leaves open whether molecular assays alone inform environmental transmission risk.
PCR and cell culture assays for enteroviruses were conducted on soil samples collected from an experimental farm that had received mesophilic anaerobically digested sludge for the past 7 years. Of 24 samples assayed, 21 samples were positive by PCR, implying that at least some viral nucleic acid sequences remained intact. However, these viral particles were unable to infect the Buffalo Green Monkey cell line used in subsequent cell culture assays. It is significant that positive PCR detection of nucleic acid sequences occurred even though the most recent sludge application was 3 months prior to soil sampling. Viral nucleic acid sequences were detected by PCR at points vertically and laterally displaced from sludge injections, illustrating significant transport of viruses. Rainfall and irrigation events may have contributed to viral transport.
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Straub et al. (1995) conducted an observational in Enterovirus contamination in soil (n=24). PCR assay vs. Cell culture assay was evaluated on Detection of enteroviruses. PCR detected enteroviral nucleic acid sequences in 87.5% (21 of 24) of sludge-amended soil samples, whereas cell culture assays showed no infectivity.
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