Virology and Parasitology in Water
In the past few years, it has been evident that there is an increase in the cases of water-borne disease outbreaks and emergence of newly identified waterborne parasites and viruses. Factors contributing to the wide spread of these diseases in the environment may include heavy rains, water, agricultural residues that transfer the pathogens from soil to the water surface.
Bacteria, viruses, parasites are present everywhere in our environment on the surface waters and ground water. Not all of these are harmful to human health. But some groups are capable of causing diseases to human and few may be fatal. These disease causing organisms can be collectively termed as pathogens.
These pathogens can be transmitted to humans directly or via consumption of contaminated foods and water. In general, these disease causing organisms are more prevalent in developing countries and underdeveloped countries where poor sanitation facilities are there.
Safety testing
When individuals are exposed to contaminated water and food, different types of human enteric viruses and parasites may cause water borne diseases. Testing of water for each and every type of pathogen is not possible practically. Hence preliminary testing for the presence of coliform bacteria can possibly indicate the presence of harmful bacteria.
Microbiological testing services are crucial in establishing safety for public health. Many industries rely on microbiological analysis world wide where products and human health are at higher risk for diseases caused by enteric pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, yeast, parasites, protozoa and Molds.
Wide range of test methods have been developed for the detection of pathogenic microbes in water supplies and food chain. Instead of carrying out separate individual tests for various kinds of potential pathogens in water and food, microbiological testing methods go for indicator organisms that are always present when enteric parasites and viruses are present.
Health effects and Regulatory bodies
The presence of coliform bacteria, specifically E. coli (a type of coliform bacteria), in drinking water indicates that the water may possibly contain pathogens.
Members of enterovirus group cause numerous diseases like gastroenteritis, meningitis, myocarditis, encephalitis, temporary paralysis, and even diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Other adverse health effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, fever, headache, fatigue and even sometimes death. People with weakened immune systems (infants, elderly people, children) are more likely to be affected by these pathogens in drinking water and food.
Recently, hepatitis A and hepatitis E caused large scale waterborne hepatitis outbreaks. Infection of people with members of caliciviridae, Astroviridae, Reoviridiae, and Adenoviridiae families are also adversely affecting public health. In recent years several small- and large-scale norovirus infections have been described, even in Europe.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to regularly test water for total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Safe drinking water does not have E. coli or other pathogens in it. It should be free from contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides to avoid adverse health effects.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.1 billion people have water sources contaminated with faecal microorganism. Pathogenic microorganism enters the water due to poor water quality control and sanitation practices.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published the Indian standard for drinking water IS 10500 (Drinking Water-Specification).
International Standard Protocols: ISO 15553:2006 'Water Quality-Isolation and Identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from water' is the only ISO method that applies to water testing for these parasites.
Eurofins testing services
Eurofins contributes to safe and clean water by conducting independent sampling and analysis of surface water, groundwater, process water, waste water, drinking water and much more.
Eurofins offers a comprehensive water testing service for the packaged drinking water manufacturers. With state of-the-art facilities and the latest analytical methodologies, Eurofins offers a complete water analysis which includes Pesticides residue, Heavy metals, Microbiological detection, Physical tests, Sensory tests, Chemical tests, PAHs, PCBs, Other miscellaneous tests. Our testing services are specifically developed to meet the water testing requirements as per different Indian standards.
Eurofins has a strong customer focus, quality service, integrity and technically competent team, this has made many of the top brands in India our regular customer for their analytical needs.
We perform microbiological expert testing services on many different matrices such as water, technical fluids and many more on topics as parasitology, virology and specific micro-organisms, and can undertake customized microbiocidal studies according to clients' specifications.
Here are some of our offered parameters by our state of art network laboratories:
- Cryptosporidium and Giardia by COFRAC accredited NF EN ISO 18744 standard
- Helminths by XP S 54-207 standard
- Enteroviruses
- Specific bacteriophages
- Customised microbiological studies
- Asbestos
- Total Coliform
- Escherichia coli
- Coliphage
- MPA
- Pseudomonas
- Heterotrophic Plate Count
- Analysis by Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
We expanded our wings and currently offer testing services for over 40 specific viruses on different types of crops, with expansion into more virus testing in the future. Different crops include Brassicas, corn, cucurbits, leafy greens, legumes, solanaceous and many others.
The Eurofins Advantage
- Fast turn-around time (TAT)
- Local contact with a Global Network
- Participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies allowing early advice on potential food scares and legal obligations
- Expert advice - testing schemes, on-site-check for hygiene and allergens, labelling advice and traceability
- Results you can rely on
- International presence
