Name: virwatest, a point-of-use method for the detection of viruses in water samples
Uploaded: 2019-05-11T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples at JoVE.com

VirWaTest was a research project funded by the HIF (Humanitarian Innovation Funds) program of ELHRA (Enhancing Learning &#38; Research for Humanitarian Assistance). The authors acknowledge the WASH teams who kindly collaborated in this study. The analysis of samples in Ecuador was funded by Oxfam Ecuador and Direcci&#243;n de Investigaciones de la Universidad de las Americas (AMB.BRT.17.01). S. Bofill-Mas is a Serra-Hunter fellow at the University of Barcelona.

1. Preparation and packaging
NOTE: The materials/equipment to be packed is listed in Table 1. Use gloves to handle the reagents required for the process control, the concentration reagents, the nucleic acid extraction reagents&#160;and the&#160;detection reagents. Wear protective glasses to handle the reagents required for nucleic acid extraction.
<ol>
	<li>Process control
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare MS2 bacteriophage stock culture (American Type Culture Collection ...

<ol>
	<li>The Sphere Project. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. , (2011).</li><li>Bartram, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Water Safety Plan Manual:Step-by-step risk management for drinking-water suppliers. , (2009).</li><li>World Health Organization. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. , (2011).</li><li>World Health Organization. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> 25 Years Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water. , (2015).</li><li>Girones, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+detection+of+pathogens+in+water+-+The+pros+and+cons+of+molecular+techniques.">Molecular detection of pathogens in water - The pros and cons of molecular techniques.</a> Water Research. 44 (15), 4325-4339 (2010).</li><li>Rodriguez-Manzano, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Standard+and+new+fecal+indicators+and+pathogens+in+sewage+treatment+plants,+microbiological+parameters+for+improving+the+control+of+reclaimed+water.">Standard and new fecal indicators and pathogens in sewage treatment plants, microbiological parameters for improving the control of reclaimed water.</a> Water Science and Technology. 66 (12), 2517-2523 (2012).</li><li>Puig, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+adenoviruses+and+enteroviruses+in+polluted+waters+by+nested+PCR+amplification.">Detection of adenoviruses and enteroviruses in polluted waters by nested PCR amplification.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 60 (8), 2963-2970 (1994).</li><li>Carter, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enterically+infecting+viruses:+Pathogenicity,+transmission+and+significance+for+food+and+waterborne+infection.">Enterically infecting viruses: Pathogenicity, transmission and significance for food and waterborne infection.</a> Journal of Applied Microbiology. 98 (6), 1354-1380 (2005).</li><li>Bofill-Mas, S., Pina, S., Girones, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Documenting+the+epidemiologic+patterns+of+polyomaviruses+in+human+populations+by+studying+their+presence+in+urban+sewage.">Documenting the epidemiologic patterns of polyomaviruses in human populations by studying their presence in urban sewage.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 66 (1), 238-245 (2000).</li><li>Bofill-Mas, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantification+and+stability+of+human+adenoviruses+and+polyomavirus+JCPyV+in+wastewater+matrices.">Quantification and stability of human adenoviruses and polyomavirus JCPyV in wastewater matrices.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 72 (12), 7894-7896 (2006).</li><li>Rames, E., Roiko, A., Stratton, H., Macdonald, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Technical+aspects+of+using+human+adenovirus+as+a+viral+water+quality+indicator.">Technical aspects of using human adenovirus as a viral water quality indicator.</a> Water Research. 96, 308-326 (2016).</li><li>Calgua, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+application+of+a+one-step+low+cost+procedure+to+concentrate+viruses+from+seawater+samples.">Development and application of a one-step low cost procedure to concentrate viruses from seawater samples.</a> Journal of Virological Methods. 153 (2), 79-83 (2008).</li><li>Bofill-Mas, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cost-effective+method+for+microbial+source+tracking+using+specific+human+and+animal+viruses.">Cost-effective method for microbial source tracking using specific human and animal viruses.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. 58, 5-9 (2011).</li><li>International Organization for Standardization. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> ISO 10705-1:1995: Water quality - Detection and enumeration of bacteriophages - Part 1: Enumeration of F-specific RNA bacteriophages. , (1995).</li><li>Hernroth, B. E., Conden-Hansson, A. C., Rehnstam-Holm, A. S., Girones, R., Allard, A. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Environmental+factors+influencing+human+viral+pathogens+and+their+potential+indicator+organisms+in+the+blue+mussel,+Mytilus+edulis:+the+first+Scandinavian+report.">Environmental factors influencing human viral pathogens and their potential indicator organisms in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis: the first Scandinavian report.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 68 (9), 4523-4533 (2002).</li><li>Pecson, B. M., Martin, L. V., Kohn, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+PCR+for+determining+the+infectivity+of+bacteriophage+MS2+upon+inactivation+by+heat,+UV-B+radiation,+and+singlet+oxygen:+Advantages+and+limitations+of+an+enzymatic+treatment+to+reduce+false-positive+results.">Quantitative PCR for determining the infectivity of bacteriophage MS2 upon inactivation by heat, UV-B radiation, and singlet oxygen: Advantages and limitations of an enzymatic treatment to reduce false-positive results.</a> Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 75 (17), 5544-5554 (2009).</li><li>Calgua, B., Barardi, C. R. M., Bofill-Mas, S., Rodriguez-Manzano, J., Girones, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+and+quantitation+of+infectious+human+adenoviruses+and+JC+polyomaviruses+in+water+by+immunofluorescence+assay.">Detection and quantitation of infectious human adenoviruses and JC polyomaviruses in water by immunofluorescence assay.</a> Journal of Virological Methods. 171 (1), 1-7 (2011).</li><li>Bofill-Mas, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cost-effective+method+for+microbial+source+tracking+using+specific+human+and+animal+viruses.">Cost-effective method for microbial source tracking using specific human and animal viruses.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (58), e2820 (2011).</li><li>Gonzales-Gustavson, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+the+efficiency+and+uncertainty+of+skimmed+milk+flocculation+for+the+simultaneous+concentration+and+quantification+of+water-borne+viruses,+bacteria+and+protozoa.">Characterization of the efficiency and uncertainty of skimmed milk flocculation for the simultaneous concentration and quantification of water-borne viruses, bacteria and protozoa.</a> Journal of Microbiological Methods. 134, 46-53 (2017).</li></ol>

The VirWaTest method enables the concentration of viruses and nucleic acid extraction from water samples at the point of use by non-experienced users. It is an affordable, rapid, and simple protocol. The concentration is based on the principle of organic flocculation using skimmed milk, by which the low pH and high conductivity conditions make skimmed milk proteins aggregate into flocs the viruses adsorb to. When the flocs sediment, it is easy to collect them, making it possible to concentrate 10 L of water, whereas trad...

During the first phases of any humanitarian emergency, access to clean water supplies, sanitation, and hygiene are critical for the survival of those affected. Therefore, monitoring water quality is a priority to prevent waterborne outbreaks. It is well-known that contaminated water is frequently the origin of diseases, but it is often difficult to determine the sources of viral outbreaks such as Hepatitis E virus (HEV), even with the availability of conventional laboratory methods. The control of water quality is based on the quantification of FIB1,2,3,4. However, it has been extensively documented that there is no correlation between the absence of FIB and the presence of viral waterborne pathogens such as rotavirus (RoV), norovirus (NoV), or HEV5,6. Thus, using the water quality criteria based on FIB might result in an underestimation of risks associated with the presence of waterborne viral pathogens. The surveillance of indicator viruses, such as human adenoviruses (HAdV), or specific pathogens would be helpful in defining the exposure to viral pathogens and identifying the potential source of human infection7,8,9,10 and in validating the efficacy of sanitation measures11.
Until now, the detection of viruses in these scenarios relied on skilled staff and complex logistics. VirWaTest (virwatest.org) is aimed at the development of a simple, affordable, and portable method for the concentration and subsequent detection of viruses from water samples at the point of use.
The virus concentration is based on the principle of organic flocculation of 10 L water samples, by which viruses are recovered in smaller volumes12,13. The flocs are collected and added to a buffer that lyses the viruses and prevents the nucleic acids from degradation when they stored at room temperature for not more than 2 weeks.
The nucleic acid extraction method is based on the use of magnetic particles to which the nucleic acids get adsorbed. They can be transferred from one washing buffer to another and finally into the elution buffer by using a magnetic pipette to which the particles attach. Viral nucleic acid suspensions obtained can be shipped to a reference laboratory where the detection can be performed using molecular methods based on PCR. For each nucleic acid extraction, two different quantities are tested to rule out enzymatic inhibition originated by the sample. Alternatively, with minimum equipment availability, PCR tests can be run at the point of use. The entire process is designed to be performed independently of a power supply (Figure 1).
A quantitative PCR assay to detect HAdV, excreted by humans and found in wastewater samples in high concentrations, has been adapted to be run at the point of use. HAdV are used as human fecal viral indicators. A PCR for the quantification of MS2 bacteriophage has been also adapted since MS2 is used in VirWaTest as process control. The method can be customized for the detection of any virus of interest.
After development, the VirWaTest method has been applied by the users in two different settings in the Republic of Central Africa (RCA) and Ecuador, providing feedback on the application of the protocol in real situations.
To our knowledge, this is the first procedure that allows the concentration and detection of viruses at the point of use, independent of any power supply, large equipment, and freezing/cooling conditions. It is recommended to collect two replicates of each water sample in order to obtain robust results.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:1677px;" width="1677">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">5x HOT FIREPol Probe qPCR Mix Plus (ROX)</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Solis BioDyne</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">08-14-00001</td>
			<td style="width:989px;">Includes Solis Biodyne&#39;s 5x HOT FIREPol Probe qPCR Mix Plus (qPCR Mix), 50 Reactions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">8-Microtube Strips with Caps</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">dD Biolab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">840637</td>
			<td>Low Profile, Thin Walls, Adapted for Quantitative and Qualitative PCR</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Aquagenx CBT E. coli Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Aquagenx, LLC</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">ECCBT10</td>
			<td>10 Tests per Kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Batteries and Power Adapters for Magnetic Stirrer</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">GenIUL</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900011674</td>
			<td>Includes 12V car power adapter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Bucket Support</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">GenIUL</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900011648</td>
			<td>Aluminium support</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Bucket, 10 L</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Cater4You</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">10LTR</td>
			<td>Polypropilene, Tamperproof, Clear color</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Centrifuge Tube, 50 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">CTSP-E50-050</td>
			<td>Polypropylene, Sterile, Graduated, With Skirt</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Citric Acid 1-Hydrate, 500 g</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">PanReac AppliChem</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">1410181211</td>
			<td>Pure, Pharma Grade, 1 Kilogram</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Clear PET Bottle</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">FPET-500-088</td>
			<td style="width:989px;">Clear Color, PET, Cap Not Included</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Difco Skim Milk, 500 g</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">232100</td>
			<td>Dehydrated</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">DNA/RNA Shield, 250 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Zymo Research</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">R1100-250</td>
			<td>DNA/RNA Preservation Medium, 250 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Easy9 Pipette Controller</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">EAS9-001-001</td>
			<td>0.3 &#956;m filter, Pipettes from 0.1 to 100 mL, Autoclavable silicone pipette holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Eppendorf Tube, 0.5 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Eppendorf</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">0030121023</td>
			<td>Polypropilene, Safe-Lock</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Eppendorf Tube, 2 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Eppendorf</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">0030120094</td>
			<td>Polypropilene, Safe-Lock</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Eppendorf Tube, 5 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">dD Biolab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">999542</td>
			<td>Polypropylene, Sterile, Graduated</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Ethanol 96% V/V, 1 L</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Panreac AppliChem</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">361085-1611</td>
			<td>For UV, IR&#160; and HPLC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Laboratory Tweezers</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">FORS-007-002</td>
			<td>Thin, Curved End, L= 120 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Magnetic Stirrer</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">GenIUL</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900017000</td>
			<td>Battery-powered</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Marker</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">dD Biolab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">929203</td>
			<td style="width:989px;">Black, Extra fine Tip, Water Resistant, Fast Drying, For Plastic and Glassware</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Micro Rota-Rack for Microtubes</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">dD Biolab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">37782</td>
			<td>4 Modules, L x W x H= 208 x 100 x 100 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Mini8 Real-Time PCR Cycler</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Coyote Biosciences, China</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Mini-8</td>
			<td>Portable, Works with 12V Power Supplies or External Batteries, Two channels, Capacity for 8 Tubes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">NucliSens Lysis Buffer</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Biomerieux</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">200292</td>
			<td>Reagents for up to 48 Isolations, Store at Ambient Temperature</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Open Tip Serological Pipette, 10 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900136N</td>
			<td>Sterile, Individually Wrapped (Paper/Plastic)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">PE Screw Cap PP28</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">TP28-004-020</td>
			<td style="width:989px;">For PET Bottles</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">pH Indicator Strip</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">WSPH-001-001</td>
			<td>Range pH 2.8 to pH 4.4, 50 Strips per Pack</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Plastic Test Tube</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Quimikals</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">300913</td>
			<td>Includes Cap</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Polyethylene Pasteur Pipette</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">PIPP-003-500</td>
			<td>Graduated, 7 mL Overall Volume, Non-Sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Polypropylene Screw Flask With Screw Cap, 150 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">409726</td>
			<td>Screw cap, Sterile, graduated up to 100 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Polypropylene Screw Flask With Screw Cap, 60 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">409526G</td>
			<td>Screw cap, Sterile, Graduated up to 50 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Powder Powder Detergent</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td>Regular Powder Soap for washing clothes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Power Cables for Magnetic Stirrer</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">GenIUL</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900011692</td>
			<td>Connection between batteries and magnetic stirrers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">QuickPick Magnetic Tool</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">BioNobile</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">24001</td>
			<td>Hand-held tool for magnetic particles</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">QuickPick Tips in Box</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">BioNobile</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">24296</td>
			<td>RNase-Free, Autoclaved, 96 Units</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">QuickPick XL gDNA Magnetic Particles</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">BioNobile</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">SN51100</td>
			<td>3.2 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Sea Salts</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">S9883-500G</td>
			<td>An artificial salt mixture closely resembling the composition of the dissolved salts of ocean water</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Silicone Tubing</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">SILT-006-005</td>
			<td>Roll of 5 Meters, Inner&#160; &#248; x Outer&#160; &#248;= 6 x 10 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Sodium Hydroxide Pellets, 98.5 - 100.5%</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">VWR Chemicals</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">28244295</td>
			<td>Pellets, 1 Kg</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Solar Rotary Platform</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">SOL-EXPERT Group</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">70020</td>
			<td>Acrylic Plate, 10 RPM, Supports up to 300 Grams</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">SOLIScript 1-step Probe Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Solis BioDyne</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">08-57-00250</td>
			<td>Includes Solis Biodyne&#39;s 5x One-Step Probe Mix (qPCR Mix) and 40x One-Step SOLIScript Mix (Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme), 250 Reactions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">SPEEDTOOLS RNA Virus Extraction Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">BioTools</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">21.141-4197</td>
			<td>Includes BioTools&#39;s BAW Buffer (Washing Buffer 1), BAV3 Buffer (Washing Buffer 2 and 3) and BRE Buffer (Elution Buffer).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">SpinBar Octhaedral Stirring Magnet</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">dD Biolab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">045926</td>
			<td>Pivot Ring, L x&#160; &#248; = 38 x 8 mm, Blue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Tape-End Serological Pipette, 10 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">PN10E1</td>
			<td>Sterile, Individually Wrapped (Paper/Plastic)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Tape-End Serological Pipette, 50 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">900043</td>
			<td>Sterile, Individually Wrapped (Paper/Plastic)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Termi-DNA-Tor - Nucleic Acid Remover</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">BioTools</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">22001-4291</td>
			<td>Remover of nucleic acids, bacteria, fungi and mycoplasma from material and surfaces, 450 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Water Molecular Biology Reagent, 1L</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">W4502-1L</td>
			<td>Nuclease and Protease Free, 0.1 &#956;m Filtered</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Whirl-Pak Bag, 540 mL</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Deltalab</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">200361</td>
			<td>Stable bottom</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:371px;">Zip Lock Plain Bag</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">LabBox</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">BZIP-080-100</td>
			<td>Polyethylene, L x W= 120 x 80 mm</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

virwatest, a point-of-use method for the detection of viruses in water samples

Viruses excreted by humans and animals may contaminate water sources and pose a risk to human health when this water is used for drinking, food irrigation, washing, etc. The classical fecal bacteria indicator does not always check for the presence of viral pathogens so the detection of viral pathogens and viral indicators is relevant in order to adopt measures of risk mitigation, especially in humanitarian scenarios and in areas where water-borne viral outbreaks are frequent.
At present, several commercial tests allowing the quantification of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are available for testing at the point of use. However, such commercial tests are not available for the detection of viruses. The detection of viruses in environmental water samples requires concentrating several liters into smaller volumes. Moreover, once concentrated, the detection of viruses relies on methods such as nucleic acid extraction and molecular detection (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-based assays) of the viral genomes.
The method described here allows the concentration of viruses from 10 L water samples, as well as the extraction of viral nucleic acids at the point of use, with simple and portable equipment. This allows the testing of water samples at the point of use for several viruses and is useful in humanitarian scenarios, as well as at any context where an equipped laboratory is not available. Alternatively, the method allows concentrating viruses present in water samples and the shipping of the concentrate to a laboratory at room temperature for further analysis.

Method development 
This procedure has been developed in the Laboratory of Viruses Contaminants of Water and Food with the collaboration of GenIUL and Oxfam Interm&#243;n. It comprises of three different steps. The first one, the viral particle concentration, is an adaptation of a skimmed milk flocculation method previously described12,17,<sup...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples at JoVE.com

VirWaTest, A Point-of-Use Method for the Detection of Viruses in Water Samples

Here we present VirWaTest, which is a simple, affordable and portable method for the concentration and detection of viruses from water samples at the point of use.

Viruses excreted by humans and animals may contaminate water sources and pose a risk to human health when this water is used for drinking, food ...

Enteric viruses are mostly found in different aquatic reservoirs, including ground water, still water, streams, rivers, and r water. They are associated with health risks and are responsible for infections in humans. Enteric viruses commonly cause gastroenteritis and are mostly transmitted through the fecal-oral route.Other waterborne diseases cause acute hepatitis by hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E viruses, with significant associated mortality especially regarding hepatitis E in pregnant women. Actual protocols for monitoring water quality proposed for humanitarian contexts have been designed to keep bacteria such as E.Coli as an indicator of fecal contamination. But it's already known that there is no correlation with other microorganisms such as viruses that are more resistant to many activation processes.Until now, detection of viruses in humanitarian crisis settings have been performed by adapting existing protocols to the conditions of those contexts, and shipping samples to reference laboratories for molecular detection of viruses. There is a need of methods to detect viral pathogens and viral indicators in the point of views to reduce public health risks, preventing outbreaks and increasing the efficiency of humanitarian interventions. We propose a method for the detection of viruses in 10 liter water samples which is divided into three steps:Viral concentration, nucleic acid extraction, and viral detection.All these steps have been adapted from methods currently in use in our laboratory, and can be performed in the point of views by using portable reagents and equipment, producing the dependents of power supply and freezers. Also, a preservative solution has been added to the method to warrant the stability of nucleic acids for shipment to reference laboratories if needed. The method we propose is called VirWaTest and has been developed with the collaboration of GenIUL and Intermon Oxfam.Before starting, the number of samples to be tested should be considered for preparation of reagents and material. It is recommended to collect two replicates of each water sample in order to obtain representative results. Several samples can be tested at the same time if the appropriate amount of material is available.Reagents and materials should be prepared and packed before moved or shipped to the place where the method is needed. The list of materials and small equipment that should be packed is described in table one. Prepare a bacteriophage MS2 stock to be added to each water sample as a process control by following the corresponding ISO method.Then distribute 10 microliters of a suspension containing 10 to 10 platforming units pre-made into 10 mL tubes and let the water dry. One tube per water sample will be needed. Additionally, prepare one tube containing 10 mLs of sterile distilled water per collected sample.For the pre-flocculated skimmed milk solution, prepare a tube containing the skimmed milk, a zipper plastic bag containing the sea salt, and a plastic bottle containing the distilled water. For pH adjustment, prepare a tube containing the citric acid, a tube containing the sodium hydroxide, and two plastic containers with 25 and 50 mLs of distilled water. For each water sample to be tested, prepare a conditioning sachet by adding the sea salts and the citric acid to a zipper plastic bag, and a preserving solution by adding the lysis buffer, and nucleic acid preservative, to a 5 mL tube.Finally, prepare four neutralizing sachets, adding power detergent to four zipper plastic bags. For each water sample to be extracted, prepare one five mL tube containing magnetic particles and ethanol, and three 2 mL tubes containing 500, 600, and 200 microliters of washing buffers one, two, and three, respectively, and one tube containing elution buffer. Two different nucleic acid extractions may be analyzed simultaneously in each PCR assay if a Newell thermocycler is used.For all PCR assays, prepare molecular biology water. Prepare mixes containing two primers and one proof specific for each target virus according to the volumes and concentrations described in the protocol. For each virus, add the indicated volumes into tubes one to eight of a tubes tray.Cut the strip, dividing it into two strips. Tubes one to five and tubes six to eight. For each virus, air dry DNA suspensions containing 10 to 5, 10 to 7, and 10 to 9 and known copies pre-made into tubes six, seven, and eight.This concentration protocol is based on the principle of organic flocculation by which the low pH and high-conductivity condition drives the skim milk proteins to organize into flocs the viruses absorb to. Once the flocs are settled, they can be easily be collected. Collect a 10 liter water sample in a flat-bottom bucket provided with a lid.If collecting from a pipe, let the water run for a few seconds before collecting the water. It's important to use clear buckets to visualize pellets. Look for a flat space in a fresh place far from direct sunlight Put a magnetic stirrer connected to a battery under the bucket support and place the bucket containing the water sample on each support.Reconsider the citric acid and the sodium hydroxide and shake until they are completely dissolved. Pour 500 mLs of distilled water into a stand-up bag and place the bag on a magnetic stirrer. Add the contents of one sea salt sachet and the contents of one skim milk tube and stir for five minutes at medium speed.Adjust the pH of the flocculated skim milk using citric acid and sodium hydroxide to a pH between 3.4 and 3.6. Turn off the magnetic stirrer and make sure the flocs are visible. A flashlight may help in visualizing the flocs.Drop a stirring magnet into the water. Set the magnetic stirrer at maximum speed and turn it on. Add 10 mLs of distilled water to a process-controlled tube.Invert it a few times and pour the solution into the water. Pour the contents of one sample conditioning sachet into the water and stir for five minutes. Make sure the pH of the water sample, which should be between 3.4 and 3.6.Adjust the pH if required. Add 100 mLs of pre-flocculated skim milk solution, seal the bucket with the lid and leave the water stirring for eight hours at minimum speed. After eight hours, turn off the magnetic stirrer and allow the flocs to settle for at least five extra hours.With a system based on the use of a pipette controller, a plastic tube, and a couple of pipettes, discard the supernatant, taking care not to disturb the flocs on the bucket bottom. When the water level is about to reach the stirring magnet, squeeze the plastic tube to stop the water flow and move away the pipette from the bucket. Shake the bucket to resuspend the flocs and pour them into a stand-up plastic bag.Allow the flocs to settle for one extra hour. Carefully aspirate the water supernatant using a pipette avoiding to disturb the flocs. Aspirate the flocs using a pipette and transfer them into a conical tube.Note down the final volume of sample concentrate and transfer 1 mL to a tube containing the preservative solution. The suspension can be either used to perform the nucleic acid extraction in the field, or ship to a reference laboratory for further analysis. The water discarded while collecting the flocs must be treated before disposal.Add the contents of a neutralizing agent sachet to the bucket containing the discarded water. Mix the water and leave it still for thirty minutes. Then dispose of the treated water as general waste.The magnetic particles can be transferred from one tube to another using a magnetic pipette. Get used to the operation of a magnetic pipette before performing the extraction. Arrange the tubes containing the reagent required for extraction in a rack.That is, from left to right:binding buffer, washing buffers, and elution buffer. Transfer 1 mL of sample concentrate to the tube containing the binding buffer using a disposable plastic pipette. Invert the tube ten times to optimize the solution.Incubate the solution at room temperature for ten minutes while continuously mixing either using a solo orbital or manually. Collect the magnetic particles using a magnetic pipette and a clean tip that can be reused for the three washing buffers and release the magnetic particles into the tube containing washing buffer one. Wash them by gently shaking the solution with the tip for thirty seconds and collect them.Repeat this washing procedure for washing buffers two and three. Collect the magnetic particles in washing buffer three and release them into the tube containing the elution buffer. Then discard the tip.Incubate the solution at room temperature for five minutes while continuously mixing using the solo orbital. Replace the tip on the magnetic pipette by any one and collect all the magnetic particles from the elution buffer. Discard the tip with the particles attached.The nucleic acid remains in the elution buffer, which should be stored for further analysis or shipment. Use a five-tube and a three-tube strip prepared to detect human adenoviruses. Add water, PCR mix, and nucleic acid extration to tubes one through five according to the protocol.Afterwards, add water and PCR mix to tubes six through eight. Put both strips in the thermocycler and select the appropriate run. Once the run is finished, collect the results and analyze obtained data.Only when viral tests have resulted in negative, MS2 detection should be performed. Use tube strips prepared for MS2 detection and select the appropriate thermal profile for the PCR. The VirWaTest magnetic nucleic acid extraction was compared to QIAgen viral RNA, mimicked it by testing water samples spiked with human adenoviruses and MS2.Reduction test p-value shows significantly higher viral recoveries by using VirWaTest than QiAgen as an extraction method for both viruses tested. The developed method for viral concentration was tested in the field with the collaboration of Oxfam wash teams located in Bangui, Central African Republic and in Pedernales, Ecuador, who collected water samples, concentrated them by applying the developed concentration method, and sent them to the laboratory in Barcelona for nucleic acid extraction and viral quantification. In Ecuador, human adenoviruses were detected in all samples tested, whereas one out of five samples collected and concentrated in Bangui tested positive for human adenoviruses.The developed method has proved to be useful when it was evaluated by wash teams of Oxfam Intermon in Bangui, Central African Republic and by another team in Pedernales, Ecuador. VirWaTest may be part of an early warning system or may be used in outbreak investigation by organizations involved in water sanitation. This equipment facilitates the analysis of viral pathogens in water and the improvement of water safety management with the objective of reducing incidents of viral diseases in humanitarian crisis contexts.

virwatest-point-use-method-for-detection-viruses-water

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

Use of Fluorescent Immuno-Chemistry for the detection of Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish (I. punctatus) samples

While Edwardsiella ictaluri is a major pathogen of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and has been discovered nearly 
three decades ago 1,2, so far, to the best of these authors' knowledge, no method has been developed to allow for the in situ visualization of the 
bacteria in histological sections.
While bacterial localization has been determined in vivo in previous studies using plate counts 3, radiometric labeled 4, 
or bioluminescent bacteria 5, most of these studies have only been performed at the gross organ level, with one exception 6. This limitation 
is of particular concern because E. ictaluri has a complex infection cycle 1,7, and it has a variety of virulence factors 8,9. 
The complex interaction of E. ictaluri with its host is similar in many respects to Salmonella typhi 10, which is in the same taxonomic family.
Here we describe a technique allowing for the detection of bacteria using indirect immuno-histochemistry using the monoclonal Ed9 antibody described by Ainsworth et al.11.
Briefly, a blocking serum is applied to paraffin embedded histological sections to prevent non-specific biding. Then, the 
sections are incubated with the primary antibody: E. ictaluri specific monoclonal antibody Ed9. Excess antibodies are rinsed away and the FitC 
labeled secondary antibodies are added. After rinsing, the sections are mounted with a fluorescent specific mounting medium. 
This allowed for the detection of E. ictaluri in situ in histological sections of channel catfish tissues.

Use of Fluorescent Immuno-Chemistry for the detection of Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish I. punctatus samples

Here we describe a procedure allowing the labeling of Edwardsiella ictaluri in situ in histological sections from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus using indirect immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies Ed9 as a primary, and fluorescent FitC labeled antibodies as a secondary. This allowed for the detection of the bacterium using fluorescent microscopy.

While Edwardsiella ictaluri is a major pathogen of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and has been discovered nearly 
three decades ago 1,2, so far, to ...

Cost-effective Method for Microbial Source Tracking Using Specific Human and Animal Viruses

Microbial contamination of the environment represents a significant health risk. Classical bacterial fecal indicators have shown to have significant limitations, viruses are more resistant to many inactivation processes and standard fecal indicators do not inform on the source of contamination. The development of cost-effective methods for the concentration of viruses from water and molecular assays facilitates the applicability of viruses as indicators of fecal contamination and as microbial source tracking (MST) tools. Adenoviruses and polyomaviruses are DNA viruses infecting specific vertebrate species including humans and are persistently excreted in feces and/or urine in all geographical areas studied. In previous studies, we suggested the quantification of human adenoviruses (HAdV) and JC polyomaviruses (JCPyV) by quantitative PCR (qPCR) as an index of human fecal contamination. Recently, we have developed qPCR assays for the specific quantification of porcine adenoviruses (PAdV) and bovine polyomaviruses (BPyV) as animal fecal markers of contamination with sensitivities of 1-10 genome copies per test tube. In this study, we present the procedure to be followed to identify the source of contamination in water samples using these tools. As example of representative results, analysis of viruses in ground water presenting high levels of nitrates is shown.
Detection of viruses in low or moderately polluted waters requires the concentration of the viruses from at least several liters of water into a much smaller volume, a procedure that usually includes two concentration steps in series. This somewhat cumbersome procedure and the variability observed in viral recoveries significantly hamper the simultaneous processing of a large number of water samples.
In order to eliminate the bottleneck caused by the two-step procedures we have applied a one-step protocol developed in previous studies and applicable to a diversity of water matrices. The procedure includes: acidification of ten-liter water samples, flocculation by skimmed milk, gravity sedimentation of the flocculated materials, collection of the precipitate and centrifugation, resuspension of the precipitate in 10 ml phosphate buffer. The viral concentrate is used for the extraction of viral nucleic acids and the specific adenoviruses and polyomaviruses of interest are quantified by qPCR. High number of samples may be simultaneously analyzed using this low-cost concentration method.
The procedure has been applied to the analysis of bathing waters, seawater and river water and in this study, we present results analyzing groundwater samples. This high-throughput quantitative method is reliable, straightforward, and cost-effective.

The study describes a cost-effective method for the identification of the source of fecal/urine contamination or contamination by nitrates in water using qPCR for the specific quantification of human/porcine/bovine DNA viruses, adenoviruses and polyomaviruses, proposed as MST tools.

Microbial contamination of the environment represents a significant health risk. Classical bacterial fecal indicators have shown to have significant ...

Glass Wool Filters for Concentrating Waterborne Viruses and Agricultural Zoonotic Pathogens

The key first step in evaluating pathogen levels in suspected contaminated water is concentration. Concentration methods tend to be specific for a particular pathogen group, for example US Environmental Protection Agency Method 1623 for Giardia and Cryptosporidium1, which means multiple methods are required if the sampling program is targeting more than one pathogen group. Another drawback of current methods is the equipment can be complicated and expensive, for example the VIRADEL method with the 1MDS cartridge filter for concentrating viruses2. In this article we describe how to construct glass wool filters for concentrating waterborne pathogens. After filter elution, the concentrate is amenable to a second concentration step, such as centrifugation, followed by pathogen detection and enumeration by cultural or molecular methods. The filters have several advantages. Construction is easy and the filters can be built to any size for meeting specific sampling requirements. The filter parts are inexpensive, making it possible to collect a large number of samples without severely impacting a project budget. Large sample volumes (100s to 1,000s L) can be concentrated depending on the rate of clogging from sample turbidity. The filters are highly portable and with minimal equipment, such as a pump and flow meter, they can be implemented in the field for sampling finished drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and agricultural runoff. Lastly, glass wool filtration is effective for concentrating a variety of pathogen types so only one method is necessary. Here we report on filter effectiveness in concentrating waterborne human enterovirus, Salmonella enterica, Cryptosporidium parvum, and avian influenza virus.

Glass wool filters have been used to concentrate waterborne viruses by a number of research groups around the world. Here we show a simple approach for constructing glass wool filters and demonstrate the filters are also effective in concentrating waterborne viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens.

The key first step in evaluating pathogen levels in suspected contaminated water is concentration.  Concentration methods tend to be specific for a ...

Establishing a Liquid-covered Culture of Polarized Human Airway Epithelial Calu-3 Cells to Study Host Cell Response to Respiratory Pathogens In vitro

The apical and basolateral surfaces of airway epithelial cells demonstrate directional responses to pathogen exposure in vivo. Thus, ideal in vitro models for examining cellular responses to respiratory pathogens polarize, forming apical and basolateral surfaces. One such model is differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE). However, this system requires lung tissue samples, expertise isolating and culturing epithelial cells from tissue, and time to generate an air-liquid interface culture.
Calu-3 cells, derived from a human bronchial adenocarcinoma, are an alternative model for examining the response of proximal airway epithelial cells to respiratory insult1, pharmacological compounds2-6, and bacterial7-9 and viral pathogens, including influenza virus, rhinovirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome - associated coronavirus10-14. Recently, we demonstrated that Calu-3 cells are susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a manner consistent with NHBE15,16 . Here, we detail the establishment of a polarized, liquid-covered culture (LCC) of Calu-3 cells, focusing on the technical details of growing and culturing Calu-3 cells, maintaining cells that have been cultured into LCC, and we present the method for performing respiratory virus infection of polarized Calu-3 cells.
To consistently obtain polarized Calu-3 LCC, Calu-3 cells must be carefully subcultured before culturing in Transwell inserts. Calu-3 monolayer cultures should remain below 90% confluence, should be subcultured fewer than 10 times from frozen stock, and should regularly be supplied with fresh medium. Once cultured in Transwells, Calu-3 LCC must be handled with care. Irregular media changes and mechanical or physical disruption of the cell layers or plates negatively impact polarization for several hours or days. Polarization is monitored by evaluating trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and is verified by evaluating the passive equilibration of sodium fluorescein between the apical and basolateral compartments17,18 . Once TEER plateaus at or above 1,000 &Omega;&times;cm2, Calu-3 LCC are ready to use to examine cellular responses to respiratory pathogens.

Establishing a Liquid-covered Culture of Polarized Human Airway Epithelial Calu-3 Cells to Study Host Cell Response to Respiratory Pathogens In vitro

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The  apical and basolateral surfaces of airway epithelial cells demonstrate  directional responses to pathogen exposure in  vivo. Thus, ideal in vitro ...

A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses

The protective effect of many HLA class I alleles on HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression is, in part, attributed to their ability to target conserved portions of the HIV-1 genome that escape with difficulty. Sequence changes attributed to cellular immune pressure arise across the genome during infection, and if found within conserved regions of the genome such as Gag, can affect the ability of the virus to replicate in vitro. Transmission of HLA-linked polymorphisms in Gag to HLA-mismatched recipients has been associated with reduced set point viral loads. We hypothesized this may be due to a reduced replication capacity of the virus. Here we present a novel method for assessing the in vitro replication of HIV-1 as influenced by the gag gene isolated from acute time points from subtype C infected Zambians. This method uses restriction enzyme based cloning to insert the gag gene into a common subtype C HIV-1 proviral backbone, MJ4. This makes it more appropriate to the study of subtype C sequences than previous recombination based methods that have assessed the in vitro replication of chronically derived gag-pro sequences. Nevertheless, the protocol could be readily modified for studies of viruses from other subtypes. Moreover, this protocol details a robust and reproducible method for assessing the replication capacity of the Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses on a CEM-based T cell line. This method was utilized for the study of Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses derived from 149 subtype C acutely infected Zambians, and has allowed for the identification of residues in Gag that affect replication. More importantly, the implementation of this technique has facilitated a deeper understanding of how viral replication defines parameters of early HIV-1 pathogenesis such as set point viral load and longitudinal CD4+ T cell decline.

A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses

HIV-1 pathogenesis is defined by both viral characteristics and host genetic factors. Here we describe a robust method that allows for reproducible measurements to assess the impact of the gag gene sequence variation on the in vitro replication capacity of the virus.

The protective effect of many HLA class I alleles on HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression is, in part, attributed to their ability to target ...

Intranasal Administration of Recombinant Influenza Vaccines in Chimeric Mouse Models to Study Mucosal Immunity

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of mankind, and have saved millions of lives over the last century. Paradoxically, little is known about the physiological mechanisms that mediate immune responses to vaccines perhaps due to the overall success of vaccination, which has reduced interest into the molecular and physiological mechanisms of vaccine immunity. However, several important human pathogens including influenza virus still pose a challenge for vaccination, and may benefit from immune-based strategies. 
Although influenza reverse genetics has been successfully applied to the generation of live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs), the addition of molecular tools in vaccine preparations such as tracer components to follow up the kinetics of vaccination in vivo, has not been addressed. In addition, the recent generation of mouse models that allow specific depletion of leukocytes during kinetic studies has opened a window of opportunity to understand the basic immune mechanisms underlying vaccine-elicited protection. Here, we describe how the combination of reverse genetics and chimeric mouse models may help to provide new insights into how vaccines work at physiological and molecular levels, using as example a recombinant, cold-adapted, live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). We utilized laboratory-generated LAIVs harboring cell tracers as well as competitive bone marrow chimeras (BMCs) to determine the early kinetics of vaccine immunity and the main physiological mechanisms responsible for the initiation of vaccine-specific adaptive immunity. In addition, we show how this technique may facilitate gene function studies in single animals during immune responses to vaccines. We propose that this technique can be applied to improve current prophylactic strategies against pathogens for which urgent medical countermeasures are needed, for example influenza, HIV, Plasmodium, and hemorrhagic fever viruses such as Ebola virus.

There is an overall lack of knowledge about how vaccines work. Here we propose the combined use of reverse genetics and bone marrow chimeric mice to gain insight into the early host immune responses to vaccines with a special focus on dendritic cells and T cell immunity.

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of mankind, and have saved millions of lives over the last century. Paradoxically, little is known about the ...

Qualitative and Quantitative Assays for Detection and Characterization of Protein Antimicrobials

Initial evaluations of large microbial libraries for potential producers of novel antimicrobial proteins require both qualitative and quantitative methods to screen for target enzymes prior to investing greater research effort and resources. The goal of this protocol is to demonstrate two complementary assays for conducting these initial evaluations. The microslide diffusion assay provides an initial or simple detection screen to enable the qualitative and rapid assessment of proteolytic activity against an array of both viable and heat-killed bacterial target substrates. As a counterpart, the increased sensitivity and reproducibility of the dye-release assay provides a quantitative platform for evaluating and comparing environmental influences affecting the hydrolytic activity of protein antimicrobials. The ability to label specific heat-killed cell culture substrates with Remazol brilliant blue R dye expands this capability to tailor the dye-release assay to characterize enzymatic activity of interest.

Here, we present protocols to rapidly screen and characterize enzymes for antimicrobial activity. The microslide diffusion assay and the dye-release assay utilize target bacterial substrates for qualitative and quantitative enzymatic activity evaluation.

Initial evaluations of large microbial libraries for potential producers of novel antimicrobial proteins require both qualitative and quantitative methods ...

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A and B in humans and causes a significant amount of morbidity and mortality every year. The Influenza A and B assay was the first CLIA-waived molecular rapid flu test available. The Influenza A and B test works by employing isothermal amplification with influenza-specific primers followed by target detection with molecular beacon probes. Here, the performance of the Influenza A and B assay on frozen, archived nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimens stored in viral transport medium (VTM) were compared to a respiratory panel assay.
The performance of the Influenza A and B assay was evaluated by comparing the results to the respiratory panel reference method. The sensitivity for total influenza virus A was 67.5% (95% CI (CI), 56.6-78.5) and the specificity was 86.9% (CI, 71.0-100). For influenza virus B testing, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.2% (CI, 68.5-100) and 98.8% (CI, 68.5-100), respectively.
This system has the advantage of a significantly shorter test time than any other currently available molecular assay and the simple, pipette-free procedure runs on a fully integrated, closed, small-footprint system. Overall, the Influenza A and B assay evaluated in this study has the potential to serve as a point-of-care rapid influenza diagnostic test.

We describe a rapid, molecular-based Influenza A and B assay. The Influenza assay detects each target within 15 min by employing isothermal amplification with influenza-specific primers followed by target detection with molecular beacon probes. The Influenza A and B assay is user-friendly and required minimal hands-on time to perform.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A and B in humans and causes a significant amount of morbidity and mortality ...

Swab Sampling Method for the Detection of Human Norovirus on Surfaces

Human noroviruses are a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis worldwide. Because most infections are either spread directly via the person-to-person route or indirectly through environmental surfaces or food, contaminated fomites and inanimate surfaces are important vehicles for the spread of the virus during norovirus outbreaks.
We developed and evaluated a protocol using macrofoam swabs for the detection and typing of human noroviruses from hard surfaces. Compared with fiber-tipped swabs or antistatic wipes, macrofoam swabs allow virus recovery (range 1.2-33.6%) from toilet seat surfaces of up to 700 cm2. The protocol includes steps for the extraction of the virus from the swabs and further concentration of the viral RNA using spin columns. In total, 127 (58.5%) of 217 swab samples that had been collected from surfaces in cruise ships and long-term care facilities where norovirus gastroenteritis had been reported tested positive for GII norovirus by RT-qPCR. Of these 29 (22.8%) could be successfully genotyped. In conclusion, detection of norovirus on environmental surfaces using the protocol we developed may assist in determining the level of environmental contamination during outbreaks as well as detection of virus when clinical samples are not available; it may also facilitate monitoring of effectiveness of remediation strategies.

A macrofoam based sampling methodology was developed and evaluated for the detection and quantification of norovirus on environmental hard surfaces.

Human noroviruses are a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis worldwide. Because most infections are either spread directly via the ...

Magnetic Stirrer Method for the Detection of Trichinella Larvae in Muscle Samples

Trichinellosis is a debilitating disease in humans and is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the nematode larvae of the genus Trichinella. The most important sources of human infections worldwide are game meat and pork or pork products. In many countries, the prevention of human trichinellosis is based on the identification of infected animals by means of the artificial digestion of muscle samples from susceptible animal carcasses.
There are several methods based on the digestion of meat but the magnetic stirrer method is considered the gold standard. This method allows the detection of Trichinella larvae by microscopy after the enzymatic digestion of muscle samples and subsequent filtration and sedimentation steps. Although this method does not require special and expensive equipment, internal controls cannot be used. Therefore, stringent quality management should be applied throughout the test. The aim of the present work is to provide detailed handling instructions and critical control points of the method to analysts, based on the experience of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites and the National Reference Laboratory of Germany for Trichinella.

Magnetic Stirrer Method for the Detection of Trichinella Larvae in Muscle Samples

The prevention of human trichinellosis in many countries worldwide is based on the laboratory examination of muscle samples from susceptible animals by methods of digestion, of which the magnetic stirrer method is considered the gold standard.

Trichinellosis is a debilitating disease in humans and is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the nematode ...