Virobathe is a 2.8M EU (DG-RTD)-funded project
aimed at the rapid detection of viruses in
recreational waters.
The Bathing Water Directive (BWD) governs
the quality of EU bathing waters. One of
the oldest Directives, the BWD is now out
of date and in the process of revision. Advances
in technology provide an opportunity for
greatly improved detection of waterborne
micro-organisms and the consequential reduction
in potential health risks associated with
the use of polluted waters for recreation.
Viruses which cause gastroenteritis in humans
may be present in sewage-polluted bathing
waters. Virobathe brings state of the art
molecular DNA technology to the detection
of these agents in water and will contribute
to the improvements in European bathing water
quality
A Consortium of 16 expert laboratories from
nine EU Member States is evaluating methods
for detecting in water noroviruses and adenoviruses,
two of the most important viruses associated
with gastroenteritis. Noroviruses are the
cause of 'winter vomiting disease' and some
adenoviruses are associated with gastroenteritis,
particularly in young children. Through extensive
laboratory tests a method will be developed
which detects these agents rapidly in marine
and fresh recreational waters (Phase I).
This will be demonstrated and further refined
in a 20 weeks surveillance programme (Phase
II) including selected recreational waters
across the EU.
The technique will then be 'rolled out' to
other routine environmental testing laboratories
through the EU so other Member States can
monitor bathing waters at a local level and
use the data to inform and advise the public,
local authorities, and policy advisers.
Among the anticipated outcomes are:
· Improved rapid detection methods for waterborne
noroviruses and adenoviruses
· Surveillance data on the target viruses
through a range of EU recreational waters
· Technology transfer to non-participant
laboratories through a 'Tech-Transfer' Workshop
at the end of the Project
· Increased confidence in water quality monitoring
for EU bathing waters
