Concentration of viruses from sewage and excreta on insoluble polyelectrolytes.

The concentration of viruses from sewage by adsorption on and elution from an insoluble cross-linked copolymer of maleic anhydride is described. Viruses either added to sewage or naturally contained in sewage were preferentially adsorbed to this polyelectrolyte at a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 and were eluted at pH 8.0 to 9.0. In a 2-month survey of viruses in sewage in the spring (April to May 1968), when viruses are at low levels, efficient and economical detection of these agents was accomplished with the polyelectrolyte-concentration method. This method lends itself to the detection of viruses present in minute amounts in fecal samples, urine, sewage, and other natural waters. Large volumes of these fluids can be treated with the polymer described, and virus can be concentrated sufficiently for detection.