Association of enteroviruses with natural and artificially introduced colloidal solids in water and infectivity of solids-associated virions.

Abstract

Encephalomyocarditis viruses adsorb to introducted organic and inorganic solids in water over a wide range of pH and with various concentrations and species of metal cations. Visible flocculation of solids was not a prerequisite for significant virus association. Virus adsorption to natural solids in various types of natural waters was significant but variable. Clay-adsorbed virus retained its infectivity in tissue culture monolayers. These solids-associated viruses also retained infectivity in mice.