Association among the Presence of Rotavirus Group A and Types of Sources Located in Rural Communities

Abstract

Among the etiological agents of acute gastroenterocolitis, group A Rotavirus stands out. Proper hygiene and basic sanitation are the prophylactic means. The present research aimed to carry out the tracking of Rotavirus in waters of rural communities. The collections were carried out in 86 residences, distributed in 16 communities, considering the types of sources: tubular wells, excavated wells, surface springs, cistern with rainwater and springs. The elution of membranes with negative charges was used to obtain viral particles. Extraction of the genetic material and cDNA synthesis were performed according to the rules of the kit used, then qPCR was performed with an Applied Biosystems StepOne® thermal cycler. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® 16.0, BioEstat® 5.3 and Minitab® 1. Rotavirus was detected in 47 samples (54.6%), however, there was no significant association among municipalities and the presence of Rotavirus. There was a strong association with shallow excavated well OR = 3.59 [1.05–12.28, p = 0.04]. The virus to infect humans and non-human animals, it can infect poultry, cattle and pigs. The presence of Rotavirus in surface water qualifies it as a biological marker of water quality and would occur through fecal contamination in water surface and underground.