[Viral flora (coliphages and human enteroviruses) found in river water after an urban district (Saint-Etienne). II. A virological and epidemiological survey (author's transl)].

A survey was carried out from March 1972 to February 1973 to identify viral flora found in the river Furan ater St. Etienne. The 54 samples examined revealed the following data: 1) more accurate results are obtained when viral concentration values are expressed in terms of m3/sec., taking into account the flow of the river and eliminating the seasonal dilution factor; 2) rates of enteroviruses remain constant throughout the year, in spite of a relatively rapid spontaneous inactivation of the viruses; 3) rates of coliphages vary considerably according to seasons, with a notable increase in summer; 4) the two previous data are unrelated; 5) 147 enterovirus strains were isolated, of which 44% were polioviruses; 6) virulent and attenuated types 2 and 3 polioviruses were found simultaneously at certain periods; 7) only virulent strains of type 1 poliovirus were isolated; 8) this type of survey may be useful in controlling the endemic residual poliomyelitis in the region of St. Etienne.