Comparative assessment of mammalian reoviruses versus enteroviruses as indicator for viral water pollution

Enteric viruses are important causative agents of human diseases. Among the enteric viruses, reoviruses and enteroviruses are prevalent in various aquatic environments. This study was carried out to detect and compare the presence of reoviruses and enteroviruses by ICCPCR in one wastewater and three drinking water treatment plants, studying the possibility of using reoviruses as indicator of viral water pollution and genotyping of the isolated strains. One hundred and forty four drinking water and 76 wastewater samples were collected for two years. Reoviruses and enteroviruses were detected in 12.5% [18/144] and 8.3% [12/144] of total collected drinking water samples. In the studied wastewater treatment plant [WWTP], reoviruses were detected in 26% [20/76] of total collected samples while enteroviruses were detected in 21% [16/76] of the total collected samples. Phylogenic analysis revealed that our sequences were closely related to reovirus type 1, Lang strain and Human poliovirus typel. Conclusion: The higher incidence of reoviruses than enteroviruses reflects the possibility of using reoviruses as indicator of water pollution

Health hazards among autopsy workers

Formaldehyde is a known irritant to the mucosal membranes including the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It is also a sensitizing agent capable of inducing asthma and allergic contact dermatitis Many studies were conducted to clarify the effect of long term exposure to formaldehyde on the pulmonary functions. It was mentioned that formaldehyde is a biologically plausible carcinogen as it is a reactive alkylating agent. This work was performed in Kasr El-Einy hospital for monitoring the health status of workers in both the autopsy section and laboratory of the pathology department as well as in the veterinary autopsy section. Cairo University. All studied groups were evidentaly exposed to formaldehyde for varying periods. The results of the health survey were compared to those of a control group of comparable age and socioccnomic status. The prevalence of health impairment in the form of respiratory system, cardiac hepatic and renal impairment was found to be significantly higher among the exposed workers