The prevalence of waterborne viral diseases is still a major problem in developing countries like Uganda. However, little is known of the viral pathogens that cause diseases. This research aimed to study the abundance of waterborne adenovirus, rotavirus, enterovirus and hepatitis A virus in the southwest region of Kampala, Uganda. Fifteen samples were collected during the summer of 2016 from five sampling locations that include: Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) both influent and effluent, Nakivubo channel (upstream and downstream of the WWTP) and Nakivubo swamp. The sequence of analytical methods used include: collection and concentration of viruses using Argonide cartridge filters, elution of viruses with buffered beef extract, RNA and DNA extraction, quantification of prevalent viruses using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction method (qPCR). The concentrations of the viruses ranged from 5.79×101 to 3.91×107 copies/L. Adenovirus concentrations were relatively high, 5.45×105 to 1.17×107 copies/L at all the sampling locations. High concentrations of adenovirus in these waters may be due to the high persistence of these viruses in the environment. Enteroviruses predominated with a maximum concentration of 3.91×107copies/L over other viruses of interest. Human exposure to such pathogens through consumption of contaminated water and food can be harmful. These data are paramount for estimating the risk from exposure to microorganisms.
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