Detection of viruses in the Lake of Maracaibo

A methodology for concentrating viruses In water was used In a six month study to detect the presence ofenteroviruses In an area of Lake Maracaibo. Concentrated samples were Inoculated In BGM, MA-}04 and YERO cell lInes. The positive Iso lates for cytophatic effect were analyzed In order to determine fue heat stabllization of divalent cations and later Identified using a neutralization technique With LB-M serum. The samples analyzed proved 100% positive for enteroviruses. This Indicates that the area studied was highly contaminated. 1\velve were Identified as pollovirus 2 and two as echovirus 21. Six of the samples gave results that to not correspond to any of the neutralizing combinations and two Isolates did not neutralize any serum combination.