Elution and concentration of viruses from sediments

This benchtop protocol describes the recovery of viruses from sediment using a beef extract-based elution followed by precipitation with polyethylene glycol. The method is suitable for the recovery of a wide range of viruses and preserving the integrity of the viral particles. Hence, the concentrate may be subject to molecular detection, targeting the viral genome or capsid proteins, or infectivity studies. For quality control, the addition of a process control virus, e.g. mengovirus, is recommended. The 10-100% recovery of the mengovirus indicates that the viral recovery is efficient.