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Quantification of infectious Human mastadenovirus in environmental matrices using PMAxx-qPCR. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1465-1471. [PMID: 35666431 PMCID: PMC9168632 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00775-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular methodologies providing data on viral concentration and infectivity have been successfully used in environmental virology, supporting quantitative risk assessment studies. The present study aimed to assess human mastadenovirus (HAdV) intact particles using a derivative of propidium monoazide associated with qPCR (PMAxx-qPCR) in aquatic matrices. Initially, different concentrations of PMAxx were evaluated to establish an optimal protocol for treating different naturally contaminated matrices, using 10 min incubation in the dark at 200 rpm at room temperature and 15 min of photoactivation in the PMA-Lite™ LED photolysis device. There was no significant reduction in the quantification of infectious HAdV with increasing concentration of PMAxx used (20 μM, 50 μM, and 100 μM), except for sewage samples. In this matrix, a reduction of 5.01 log of genomic copies (GC)/L was observed from the concentration of 50 μM and revealed 100% HAdV particles with damaged capsids. On the other hand, the mean reduction of 0.51 log in stool samples using the same concentration mentioned above demonstrated 83% of damaged particles eliminated in the stool. Following, 50 μM PMAxx-qPCR protocol revealed a log reduction of 0.91, 0.67, and 1.05 in other samples of raw sewage, brackish, and seawater where HAdV concentration reached 1.47 × 104, 6.81 × 102, and 2.33 × 102 GC/L, respectively. Fifty micrometers of PMAxx protocol helped screen intact viruses from different matrices, including sea and brackish water.
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152
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Wang X, Wu T, Oliveira LFS, Zhang D. Sheet, Surveillance, Strategy, Salvage and Shield in global biodefense system to protect the public health and tackle the incoming pandemics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153469. [PMID: 35093353 PMCID: PMC8799268 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 challenges the global health system and raises our concerns on the next waves of other emerging infectious diseases. Considering the lessons from the failure of world's pandemic warning system against COVID-19, many scientists and politicians have mentioned different strategies to improve global biodefense system, among which Sheet, Surveillance, Strategy, Salvage and Shield (5S) are frequently discussed. Nevertheless, the current focus is mainly on the optimization and management of individual strategy, and there are limited attempts to combine the five strategies as an integral global biodefense system. Sheet represents the biosafety datasheet for biohazards in natural environment and human society, which helps our deeper understanding on the geographical pattern, transmission routes and infection mechanism of pathogens. Online surveillance and prognostication network is an environmental Surveillance tool for monitoring the outbreak of pandemic diseases and alarming the risks to take emergency actions, targeting aerosols, waters, soils and animals. Strategy is policies and legislations for social distancing, lockdown and personal protective equipment to block the spread of infectious diseases in communities. Clinical measures are Salvage on patients by innovating appropriate medicines and therapies. The ultimate defensive Shield is vaccine development to protect healthy crowds from infection. Fighting against COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases is a long rocky journey, requiring the common endeavors of scientists and politicians from all countries around the world. 5S in global biodefense system bring a ray of light to the current darkest and future road from environmental and geographical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzi Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Tianyun Wu
- Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Tsinghua-Suzhou), Suzhou 215163, PR China
| | - Luis F S Oliveira
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Arquitectura, Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600, Santiago de Surco 1503, Peru; Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Dayi Zhang
- College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
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153
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Tiwari A, Lipponen A, Hokajärvi AM, Luomala O, Sarekoski A, Rytkönen A, Österlund P, Al-Hello H, Juutinen A, Miettinen IT, Savolainen-Kopra C, Pitkänen T. Detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater influent in relation to reported COVID-19 incidence in Finland. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 215:118220. [PMID: 35248908 PMCID: PMC8865022 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance is a cost-effective concept for monitoring COVID-19 pandemics at a population level. Here, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was monitored from a total of 693 wastewater (WW) influent samples from 28 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP, N = 21-42 samples per WWTP) in Finland from August 2020 to May 2021, covering WW of ca. 3.3 million inhabitants (∼ 60% of the Finnish population). Quantity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments in 24 h-composite samples was determined by using the ultrafiltration method followed by nucleic acid extraction and CDC N2 RT-qPCR assay. SARS-CoV-2 RNA signals at each WWTP were compared over time to the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases (14-day case incidence rate) in the sewer network area. Over the 10-month surveillance period with an extensive total number of samples, the detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in WW was 79% (including 6% uncertain results, i.e., amplified only in one out of four, two original and two ten-fold diluted replicates), while only 24% of all samples exhibited gene copy numbers above the quantification limit. The range of the SARS-CoV-2 detection rate in WW varied from 33% (including 10% uncertain results) in Pietarsaari to 100% in Espoo. Only six out of 693 WW samples were positive with SARS-COV-2 RNA when the reported COVID-19 case number from the preceding 14 days was zero. Overall, the 14-day COVID-19 incidence was 7.0, 18, and 36 cases per 100 000 persons within the sewer network area when the probability to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater samples was 50%, 75% and 95%, respectively. The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA required significantly more COVID-19 cases: the quantification rate was 50%, 75%, and 95% when the 14-day incidence was 110, 152, and 223 COVID-19 cases, respectively, per 100 000 persons. Multiple linear regression confirmed the relationship between the COVID-19 incidence and the SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantified in WW at 15 out of 28 WWTPs (overall R2 = 0.36, p < 0.001). At four of the 13 WWTPs where a significant relationship was not found, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA remained below the quantification limit during the whole study period. In the five other WWTPs, the sewer coverage was less than 80% of the total population in the area and thus the COVID-19 cases may have been inhabitants from the areas not covered. Based on the results obtained, WW-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 could be used as an indicator for local and national COVID-19 incidence trends. Importantly, the determination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments from WW is a powerful and non-invasive public health surveillance measure, independent of possible changes in the clinical testing strategies or in the willingness of individuals to be tested for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Tiwari
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland; University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Anssi Lipponen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland.
| | - Anna-Maria Hokajärvi
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland.
| | - Oskari Luomala
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki FI-00271, Finland.
| | - Anniina Sarekoski
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland.
| | - Annastiina Rytkönen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland; University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Pamela Österlund
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki FI-00271, Finland.
| | - Haider Al-Hello
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki FI-00271, Finland.
| | - Aapo Juutinen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki FI-00271, Finland.
| | - Ilkka T Miettinen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland.
| | - Carita Savolainen-Kopra
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Mannerheimintie 166, Helsinki FI-00271, Finland.
| | - Tarja Pitkänen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Expert Microbiology Unit, Neulaniementie 4, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland; University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
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154
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Radu E, Masseron A, Amman F, Schedl A, Agerer B, Endler L, Penz T, Bock C, Bergthaler A, Vierheilig J, Hufnagl P, Korschineck I, Krampe J, Kreuzinger N. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha lineage and its correlation with quantitative wastewater-based epidemiology data. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 215:118257. [PMID: 35303559 PMCID: PMC8898540 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gave rise to an international public health emergency in 3 months after its emergence in Wuhan, China. Typically for an RNA virus, random mutations occur constantly leading to new lineages, incidental with a higher transmissibility. The highly infective alpha lineage, firstly discovered in the UK, led to elevated mortality and morbidity rates as a consequence of Covid-19, worldwide. Wastewater surveillance proved to be a powerful tool for early detection and subsequent monitoring of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in a defined catchment. Using a combination of sequencing and RT-qPCR approaches, we investigated the total SARS-CoV-2 concentration and the emergence of the alpha lineage in wastewater samples in Vienna, Austria linking it to clinical data. Based on a non-linear regression model and occurrence of signature mutations, we conclude that the alpha variant was present in Vienna sewage samples already in December 2020, even one month before the first clinical case was officially confirmed and reported by the health authorities. This provides evidence that a well-designed wastewater monitoring approach can provide a fast snapshot and may detect the circulating lineages in wastewater weeks before they are detectable in the clinical samples. Furthermore, declining 14 days prevalence data with simultaneously increasing SARS-CoV-2 total concentration in wastewater indicate a different shedding behavior for the alpha variant. Overall, our results support wastewater surveillance to be a suitable approach to spot early circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages based on whole genome sequencing and signature mutations analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Radu
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz, 13/2261, 1040, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Virology Stefan S. Nicolau, Romanian Academy of Science, 285 Mihai Bravu Avenue, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amandine Masseron
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz, 13/2261, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Amman
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schedl
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Agerer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Endler
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Penz
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Bergthaler
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Vierheilig
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz, 13/2261, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety AGES, Department for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Währingerstraße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Korschineck
- Ingenetix GmbH, Arsenalstraße 11/Hüttenbrennergasse 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Krampe
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz, 13/2261, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Kreuzinger
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz, 13/2261, 1040, Vienna, Austria.
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155
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Wright J, Driver EM, Bowes DA, Johnston B, Halden RU. Comparison of high-frequency in-pipe SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based surveillance to concurrent COVID-19 random clinical testing on a public U.S. university campus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:152877. [PMID: 34998780 PMCID: PMC8732902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is utilized globally as a tool for quantifying the amount of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within communities, yet the efficacy of community-level wastewater monitoring has yet to be directly compared to random Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) clinical testing; the best-supported method of virus surveillance within a single population. This study evaluated the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw wastewater and random COVID-19 clinical testing on a large university campus in the Southwestern United States during the Fall 2020 semester. Daily composites of wastewater (24-hour samples) were collected three times per week at two campus locations from 16 August 2020 to 1 January 2021 (n = 95) and analyzed by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 E gene. Campus populations were estimated using campus resident information and anonymized, unique user Wi-Fi connections. Resultant trends of SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater were consistent with local and nationwide pandemic trends showing peaks in infections at the start of the Fall semester in mid-August 2020 and mid-to-late December 2020. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.71 (p < 0.01); n = 15) was identified between random COVID-19 clinical testing and WBE surveillance methods, suggesting that wastewater surveillance has a predictive power similar to that of random clinical testing. Additionally, a comparative cost analysis between wastewater and clinical methods conducted here show that WBE was more cost effective, providing data at 1.7% of the total cost of clinical testing ($6042 versus $338,000, respectively). We conclude that wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 performed in tandem with random clinical testing can strengthen campus health surveillance, and its economic advantages are maximized when performed routinely as a primary surveillance method, with random clinical testing reserved for an active outbreak situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Wright
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA; OneWaterOneHealth, The Arizona State University Foundation, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Erin M Driver
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA
| | - Devin A Bowes
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA; OneWaterOneHealth, The Arizona State University Foundation, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA
| | - Bridger Johnston
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA; School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, AZ 85287-8101, USA; Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, 800 S. Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
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156
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Peinado B, Martínez-García L, Martínez F, Nozal L, Sánchez MB. Improved methods for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7201. [PMID: 35504966 PMCID: PMC9063616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, different methods have been used to detect the presence of genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. The use of wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and quantification showed different problems, associated to the complexity of the matrix and the lack of standard methods used to analyze the presence of an enveloped virus, such as coronavirus. Different strategies for the concentration process were selected to carry out the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater: (a) aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation, (b) pre-treatment with glycine buffer and precipitation with polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and (c) ultrafiltration (Centricon). Our results showed that the reduction of organic matter, using the pre-treatment with glycine buffer before the concentration with Centricon or aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation, improved the recovery percentage of the control virus, Mengovirus (MgV) (8.37% ± 5.88 n = 43; 6.97% ± 6.51 n = 20, respectively), and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with the same methodology without a pre-treatment. For the concentration with Centricon, the use of 100 mL of wastewater, instead of 200 mL, increased the MgV recovery, and allowed a positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 with N1 and N2 targets. The quantity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in wastewater did not show a direct correlation with the number of confirmed cases, but the study of its upwards or downwards trend over time enabled the detection of an increase of epidemiological data produced in September 2020, January 2021 and April 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Peinado
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Lorena Martínez-García
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Francisco Martínez
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Leonor Nozal
- Center of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology (CQAB), University of Alcala and General Foundation of Alcala University (FGUA), A-II km 33.600, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Blanca Sánchez
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
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157
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Adhikari S, Halden RU. Opportunities and limits of wastewater-based epidemiology for tracking global health and attainment of UN sustainable development goals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107217. [PMID: 35395576 PMCID: PMC9815123 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) emerged as a powerful, actionable health management tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypothesizing future uses, we explored its potential for real-time, tracking of progress in attaining United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally as a non-expensive method using existing infrastructure. We inventoried (i) literature-documented sewerage infrastructure, (ii) demographics of populations served, and (iii) WBE markers informative of 9 SDGs. Among the 17 different sustainable development goals listed by the UN 2030 agenda, more than half of these may be monitored by using WBE monitoring at centralized treatment infrastructure as tabulated in this study. Driven mainly by COVID-19, WBE currently is practiced in at least 55 countries, reaching about 300 million people. Expansion of WBE to 109,000 + treatment plants inventoried in 129 countries would increase global coverage 9-fold to 34.7% or 2.7 billion, leaving out 5 billion people not served by centralized sewerage systems. Associations between population demographics and present-day infrastructure are explored, and geospatial regions particularly vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks are identified. The results suggest that difference in the differential outcomes in well-being is an outcome of the sanitation infrastructure inequalities and lack of sanitation infrastructure creates doubly disadvantaged populations at risk of poor hygiene and cut off from the early-warning benefits of conventional WBE. This is the first study to explore the feasibility and potential barriers to the use of WBE for tracking the attainment of SDGs globally with at least 9 out of 17 SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeet Adhikari
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Biodesign Center for Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; OneWaterOneHealth, Nonprofit Project of the Arizona State University Foundation, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, 800 S. Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
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158
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Guo Y, Sivakumar M, Jiang G. Decay of four enteric pathogens and implications to wastewater-based epidemiology: Effects of temperature and wastewater dilutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152000. [PMID: 34843787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of pathogens in raw wastewater from a population within certain sewer catchments can provide quantitative information on public health status within the sampled urban area. This so-called wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach has the potential of becoming a powerful tool to monitor pathogen circulation and support timely intervention during outbreaks. However, many WBE studies failed to account for the pathogen decay during wastewater transportation in back calculating the disease prevalence. Various sewer process factors, including water temperature and infiltration/inflow, can lead to the variation of pathogen decay rates. This paper firstly reviewed the effects of temperature and types of water, i.e., wastewater, freshwater, and saline water, on the decay of four selected enteric pathogens, i.e., Campylobacter, Salmonella, Norovirus, and Adenovirus. To elucidate the importance of the pathogen decay rates (measured by culture and molecular methods) to WBE, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the back-calculation equation for infection prevalence with decay rates collected from published literature. It was found that WBE back-calculation is more sensitive to decay rates under the condition of high wastewater temperature (i.e., over 25 °C) or if wastewater is diluted by saline water (i.e., sewer infiltration or use of seawater as an alternative source of freshwater constituting around 1/3 household water demand in some cities). Stormwater dilution of domestic wastewater (i.e., sewer inflow might achieve 10 times volumetric dilution) was shown to play a role in increasing the sensitivity of WBE back-calculation to bacterial pathogens, but not viral pathogens. Hence, WBE back-calculation in real sewers should account for in-sewer decay of specific pathogen species under different wastewater temperatures and dilutions. Overall, this review contributes to a better understanding of pathogen decay in wastewater which can lead to improved accuracy of WBE back-calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guo
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Muttucumaru Sivakumar
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
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159
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Nason SL, Lin E, Godri Pollitt KJ, Peccia J. Changes in Sewage Sludge Chemical Signatures During a COVID-19 Community Lockdown, Part 2: Nontargeted Analysis of Sludge and Evaluation with COVID-19 Metrics. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1193-1201. [PMID: 34729807 PMCID: PMC8652773 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge and wastewater include urine and feces from an entire community, and it is highly likely that this mixture contains chemicals whose presence is dependent on levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. We analyzed primary sewage sludge samples collected in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and performed an exploratory investigation of correlations between chemical features and COVID-19 metrics including concentrations of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in the sludge and local COVID-19 case numbers and hospital admissions. Inclusion of all chemical features in this analysis is key for discovering potential indicator compounds for COVID-19, whose structures may not be known. We found correlations with COVID-19 metrics for several identified chemicals as well as many unidentified features in the data, including three potential indicator molecules that are recommended for prioritization in future studies on COVID-19 in wastewater and sludge. These features have molecular weights of 108.0935, 318.1214, and 331.1374. While it is not possible to achieve prediction of COVID-19 epidemiological metrics from the one data set used in the present study, advances in this research area are important to share as scientists worldwide work on discovering efficient methods for tracking SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1193-1201. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Nason
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Elizabeth Lin
- Department of Environmental HealthYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental EngineeringYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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160
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Jiang AZ, Nian F, Chen H, McBean EA. Passive Samplers, an Important Tool for Continuous Monitoring of the COVID-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32326-32334. [PMID: 35137317 PMCID: PMC9072756 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19073-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has resulted in major costs around the world, costs with dimensions in every aspect, from peoples' daily living to the global economy. As the pandemic progresses, the virus evolves, and more vaccines become available, and the 'battle against the virus' continues. As part of the battle, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) technologies are being widely deployed in essential roles for SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring. While focusing on demonstrating the advantages of passive samplers as a tool in WBE, this review provides a holistic view of the current WBE applications in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 with the integration of the most up-to-date data. A novel scenario example based on a recent Nanjing (China) outbreak in July 2021 is used to illustrate the potential benefits of using passive samplers to monitor COVID-19 and to facilitate effective control of future major outbreaks. The presented contents and how the application of passive samplers indicates that this technology can be beneficial at different levels, varying from building to community to regional. Countries and regions that have the pandemic well under control or have low positive case occurrences have the potential to significantly benefit from deploying passive samplers as a measure to identify and suppress outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Z. Jiang
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Fulin Nian
- Department of Digestive, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, 2800 Gongwei Road, Shanghai, 201399 China
| | - Han Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China
| | - Edward A. McBean
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, N1G 2W1 Canada
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161
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High Sensitivity and Specificity of Dormitory-Level Wastewater Surveillance for COVID-19 during Fall Semester 2020 at Syracuse University, New York. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084851. [PMID: 35457720 PMCID: PMC9030442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A residential building’s wastewater presents a potential non-invasive method of surveilling numerous infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed wastewater from 16 different residential locations at Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY, USA) during fall semester 2020, testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA twice weekly and compared the presence of clinical COVID-19 cases to detection of the viral RNA in wastewater. The sensitivity of wastewater surveillance to correctly identify dormitories with a case of COVID-19 ranged from 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 76–100%) on the same day as the case was diagnosed to 73% (95% CI = 53–92%), with 7 days lead time of wastewater. The positive predictive value ranged from 20% (95% CI = 13–30%) on the same day as the case was diagnosed to 50% (95% CI = 40–60%) with 7 days lead time. The specificity of wastewater surveillance to correctly identify dormitories without a case of COVID-19 ranged from 60% (95% CI = 52–67%) on the day of the wastewater sample to 67% (95% CI = 58–74%) with 7 days lead time. The negative predictive value ranged from 99% (95% CI = 95–100%) on the day of the wastewater sample to 84% (95% CI = 77–91%) with 7 days lead time. Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 at the building level is highly accurate in determining if residents have a COVID-19 infection. Particular benefit is derived from negative wastewater results that can confirm a building is COVID-19 free.
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162
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Arora S, Nag A, Kalra A, Sinha V, Meena E, Saxena S, Sutaria D, Kaur M, Pamnani T, Sharma K, Saxena S, Shrivastava SK, Gupta AB, Li X, Jiang G. Successful application of wastewater-based epidemiology in prediction and monitoring of the second wave of COVID-19 with fragmented sewerage systems-a case study of Jaipur (India). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:342. [PMID: 35389102 PMCID: PMC8987519 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The present study tracked the city-wide dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 ribonucleic acids (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in the wastewater from nine different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Jaipur during the second wave of COVID-19 out-break in India. A total of 164 samples were collected weekly between February 19th and June 8th, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 47.2% (52/110) influent samples and 37% (20/54) effluent samples. The increasing percentage of positive influent samples correlated with the city's increasing active clinical cases during the second wave of COVID-19 in Jaipur. Furthermore, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) evidence clearly showed early detection of about 20 days (9/9 samples reported positive on April 20th, 2021) before the maximum cases and maximum deaths reported in the city on May 8th, 2021. The present study further observed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in treated effluents at the time window of maximum active cases in the city even after tertiary disinfection treatments of ultraviolet (UV) and chlorine (Cl2) disinfection. The average genome concentration in the effluents and removal efficacy of six commonly used treatments, activated sludge process + chlorine disinfection (ASP + Cl2), moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with ultraviolet radiations disinfection (MBBR + UV), MBBR + chlorine (Cl2), sequencing batch reactor (SBR), and SBR + Cl2, were compared with removal efficacy of SBR + Cl2 (81.2%) > MBBR + UV (68.8%) > SBR (57.1%) > ASP (50%) > MBBR + Cl2 (36.4%). The study observed the trends and prevalence of four genes (E, RdRp, N, and ORF1ab gene) based on two different kits and found that prevalence of N > ORF1ab > RdRp > E gene suggested that the effective genome concentration should be calculated based on the presence/absence of multiple genes. Hence, it is imperative to say that using a combination of different detection genes (E, N, RdRp, & ORF1ab genes) increases the sensitivity in WBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipti Arora
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India.
| | - Aditi Nag
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Aakanksha Kalra
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Vikky Sinha
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Ekta Meena
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Samvida Saxena
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Devanshi Sutaria
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Centre for Innovation, Research & Development (CIRD), Dr. B, Lal Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India
| | - Tamanna Pamnani
- Centre for Innovation, Research & Development (CIRD), Dr. B, Lal Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India
| | - Komal Sharma
- Centre for Innovation, Research & Development (CIRD), Dr. B, Lal Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India
| | - Sonika Saxena
- Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology, 6-E, Malviya Industrial Area, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Sandeep K Shrivastava
- Centre for Innovation, Research & Development (CIRD), Dr. B, Lal Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India
| | - A B Gupta
- Department of Civil Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, India
| | - Xuan Li
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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163
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Chakraborty P, Vinod PG, Syed JH, Pokhrel B, K Bharat G, Basu AR, Fouzder T, Pasupuleti M, Urbaniak M, Beskoski VP. Water-sanitation-health nexus in the Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra River Basin: need for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 for preparedness during the future waves of pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOHYDROLOGY & HYDROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:283-294. [PMID: 38620864 PMCID: PMC8592527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra River Basin (IGBRB) is a trans-boundary river basin flowing through four major countries in South Asia viz., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Contamination of surface water by untreated or inadequately treated wastewater has been a huge problem for pathogenic microorganisms in economies in transition. Recent studies have reported that sewage surveillance can provide prior information of the outbreak data, because faeces can contain the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) shed by infected humans. Hence, in this study we geo-spatially mapped the COVID-19 hotspots during the peak time in the first and second wave of pandemic to demonstrate the need and usefulness of wastewater surveillance strategy in IGBRB during ongoing pandemic. Further we discussed the status of sanitation, health and hand-hygiene in the IGBRB along with characterization of the challenges posed by the pandemic in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). Monthly Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping of COVID-19 hotspots in the IGBRB showed an increase in the spread along the direct sewage discharge points. The social inequalities expose the vulnerabilities of the urban poor in terms of the burden, risks and access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) needs. Such an evidence-based image of the actual SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the community along the IGBRB can provide valuable insights and recommendations to deal with the future waves of COVID-19 pandemic in this region that can go a long way in achieving the UN-SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paromita Chakraborty
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - P G Vinod
- Department of Computer Science, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
- Nuevo Chakra (OPC) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra
| | - Jabir Hussain Syed
- Department of Meteorology, COMSATS University Islamabad Tarlai Kalan Park Road 45550, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Balram Pokhrel
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | | | - Tama Fouzder
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Bangladesh
| | - Mukesh Pasupuleti
- Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Magdalena Urbaniak
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tylna 3, 90-364 Lodz, Poland
| | - Vladimir P Beskoski
- University of Belgrade-Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 110 0 0 Belgrade, Serbia
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164
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Knyazev S, Chhugani K, Sarwal V, Ayyala R, Singh H, Karthikeyan S, Deshpande D, Baykal PI, Comarova Z, Lu A, Porozov Y, Vasylyeva TI, Wertheim JO, Tierney BT, Chiu CY, Sun R, Wu A, Abedalthagafi MS, Pak VM, Nagaraj SH, Smith AL, Skums P, Pasaniuc B, Komissarov A, Mason CE, Bortz E, Lemey P, Kondrashov F, Beerenwinkel N, Lam TTY, Wu NC, Zelikovsky A, Knight R, Crandall KA, Mangul S. Unlocking capacities of genomics for the COVID-19 response and future pandemics. Nat Methods 2022; 19:374-380. [PMID: 35396471 PMCID: PMC9467803 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01444-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, genomics and bioinformatics have emerged as essential public health tools. The genomic data acquired using these methods have supported the global health response, facilitated development of testing methods, and allowed timely tracking of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. Yet the virtually unlimited potential for rapid generation and analysis of genomic data is also coupled with unique technical, scientific, and organizational challenges. Here, we discuss the application of genomic and computational methods for the efficient data driven COVID-19 response, advantages of democratization of viral sequencing around the world, and challenges associated with viral genome data collection and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Knyazev
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karishma Chhugani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Varuni Sarwal
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ram Ayyala
- Department of Translational Biomedical Informatics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harman Singh
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Smruthi Karthikeyan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dhrithi Deshpande
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pelin Icer Baykal
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zoia Comarova
- Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angela Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuri Porozov
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Computational Biology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Tetyana I Vasylyeva
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joel O Wertheim
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Y Chiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ren Sun
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Aiping Wu
- Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Malak S Abedalthagafi
- Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Victoria M Pak
- Emory University, School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, CA, USA
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA, CA, USA
| | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam L Smith
- Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pavel Skums
- Department of Computer Science, College of Art and Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bogdan Pasaniuc
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrey Komissarov
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Bortz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fyodor Kondrashov
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
- Centre for Immunology & Infection Limited, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Nicholas C Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Alex Zelikovsky
- Department of Computer Science, College of Art and Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Keith A Crandall
- Computational Biology Institute and Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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165
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Mahmoudi T, Naghdi T, Morales-Narváez E, Golmohammadi H. Toward smart diagnosis of pandemic infectious diseases using wastewater-based epidemiology. Trends Analyt Chem 2022; 153:116635. [PMID: 35440833 PMCID: PMC9010328 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak revealed fundamental weaknesses of current diagnostic systems, particularly in prediction and subsequently prevention of pandemic infectious diseases (PIDs). Among PIDs detection methods, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been demonstrated to be a favorable mean for estimation of community-wide health. Besides, by going beyond purely sensing usages of WBE, it can be efficiently exploited in Healthcare 4.0/5.0 for surveillance, monitoring, control, and above all prediction and prevention, thereby, resulting in smart sensing and management of potential outbreaks/epidemics/pandemics. Herein, an overview of WBE sensors for PIDs is presented. The philosophy behind the smart diagnosis of PIDs using WBE with the help of digital technologies is then discussed, as well as their characteristics to be met. Analytical techniques that are pushing the frontiers of smart sensing and have a high potential to be used in the smart diagnosis of PIDs via WBE are surveyed. In this context, we underscore key challenges ahead and provide recommendations for implementing and moving faster toward smart diagnostics.
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166
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Landstrom M, Braun E, Larson E, Miller M, Holm GH. Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance for detection of COVID-19 at a residential private college. FEMS MICROBES 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Many colleges and universities utilized wastewater surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA as a tool to help monitor and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic on campuses across the United States during the 2020-2021 academic year. We sought to assess the efficacy of one such program by analyzing data on relative wastewater RNA levels from residential buildings in relation to SARS-CoV-2 cases identified through individual surveillance testing, conducted largely independent of wastewater results. Almost 80% of the cases on campus were associated with positive wastewater tests, resulting in an overall positive predictive value of 79% (Chi square 48.1, Df = 1, p < 0.001). However, half of the positive wastewater samples occurred in the two weeks following the return of a student to the residence hall following the 10-day isolation period, and therefore were not useful in predicting new infections. When these samples were excluded, the positive predictive value of a positive wastewater sample was 54%. Overall, we conclude that the continued shedding of viral RNA by patients past the time of potential transmission confounds the identification of new cases using wastewater surveillance, and decreases its effectiveness in managing SARS-CoV-2 infections on a residential college campus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Larson
- Student Health Services, Colgate University, 13 Oak Dr., Hamilton, NY, USA13346
| | - Merrill Miller
- Student Health Services, Colgate University, 13 Oak Dr., Hamilton, NY, USA13346
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167
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Amara U, Rashid S, Mahmood K, Nawaz MH, Hayat A, Hassan M. Insight into prognostics, diagnostics, and management strategies for SARS CoV-2. RSC Adv 2022; 12:8059-8094. [PMID: 35424750 PMCID: PMC8982343 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07988c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The foremost challenge in countering infectious diseases is the shortage of effective therapeutics. The emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has posed a great menace to the public health system globally, prompting unprecedented endeavors to contain the virus. Many countries have organized research programs for therapeutics and management development. However, the longstanding process has forced authorities to implement widespread infrastructures for detailed prognostic and diagnostics study of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2). This review discussed nearly all the globally developed diagnostic methodologies reported for SARS CoV-2 detection. We have highlighted in detail the approaches for evaluating COVID-19 biomarkers along with the most employed nucleic acid- and protein-based detection methodologies and the causes of their severe downfall and rejection. As the variable variants of SARS CoV-2 came into the picture, we captured the breadth of newly integrated digital sensing prototypes comprised of plasmonic and field-effect transistor-based sensors along with commercially available food and drug administration (FDA) approved detection kits. However, more efforts are required to exploit the available resources to manufacture cheap and robust diagnostic methodologies. Likewise, the visualization and characterization tools along with the current challenges associated with waste-water surveillance, food security, contact tracing, and their role during this intense period of the pandemic have also been discussed. We expect that the integrated data will be supportive and aid in the evaluation of sensing technologies not only in current but also future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umay Amara
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan 608000 Pakistan
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus 54000 Pakistan
| | - Sidra Rashid
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus 54000 Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mahmood
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan 608000 Pakistan
| | - Mian Hasnain Nawaz
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus 54000 Pakistan
| | - Akhtar Hayat
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus 54000 Pakistan
| | - Maria Hassan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan 608000 Pakistan
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168
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Twigg C, Wenk J. Review and Meta‐Analysis: SARS‐CoV‐2 and Enveloped Virus Detection in Feces and Wastewater. CHEMBIOENG REVIEWS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9083821 DOI: 10.1002/cben.202100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Detection and quantification of viruses supplies key information on their spread and allows risk assessment for public health. In wastewater, existing detection methods have been focusing on non‐enveloped enteric viruses due to enveloped virus transmission, such as coronaviruses, by the fecal‐oral route being less likely. Since the beginning of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, interest and importance of enveloped virus detection in wastewater has increased. Here, quantitative studies on SARS‐CoV‐2 occurrence in feces and raw wastewater and other enveloped viruses via quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) during the early stage of the pandemic until April 2021 are reviewed, including statistical evaluation of the positive detection rate and efficiency throughout the detection process involving concentration, extraction, and amplification stages. Optimized and aligned sampling protocols and concentration methods for enveloped viruses, along with SARS‐CoV‐2 surrogates, in wastewater environments may improve low and variable recovery rates providing increased detection efficiency and comparable data on viral load measured across different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Twigg
- University of Bath Department of Chemical Engineering and Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC@Bath) Claverton Down BA2 7AY Bath Somerset United Kingdom
| | - Jannis Wenk
- University of Bath Department of Chemical Engineering and Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC@Bath) Claverton Down BA2 7AY Bath Somerset United Kingdom
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169
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Zhang D, Duran SSF, Lim WYS, Tan CKI, Cheong WCD, Suwardi A, Loh XJ. SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: From detection to evaluation. MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2022; 13:100211. [PMID: 35098102 PMCID: PMC8786653 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2022.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 presence in wastewater has been reported in several studies and has received widespread attention among the Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) community. Such studies can potentially be used as a proxy for early warning of potential COVID-19 outbreak, or as a mitigation measure for potential virus transmission via contaminated water. In this review, we summarized the latest understanding on the detection, concentration, and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Importantly, we discuss factors affecting the quality of wastewater surveillance ranging from temperature, pH, starting concentration, as well as the presence of chemical pollutants. These factors greatly affect the reliability and comparability of studies reported by various communities across the world. Overall, this review provides a broadly encompassing guidance for epidemiological study using wastewater surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danwei Zhang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Solco S Faye Duran
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Wei Yang Samuel Lim
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Chee Kiang Ivan Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Wun Chet Davy Cheong
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Ady Suwardi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138634
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170
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Kasprzyk-Hordern B, Adams B, Adewale ID, Agunbiade FO, Akinyemi MI, Archer E, Badru FA, Barnett J, Bishop IJ, Di Lorenzo M, Estrela P, Faraway J, Fasona MJ, Fayomi SA, Feil EJ, Hyatt LJ, Irewale AT, Kjeldsen T, Lasisi AKS, Loiselle S, Louw TM, Metcalfe B, Nmormah SA, Oluseyi TO, Smith TR, Snyman MC, Sogbanmu TO, Stanton-Fraser D, Surujlal-Naicker S, Wilson PR, Wolfaardt G, Yinka-Banjo CO. Wastewater-based epidemiology in hazard forecasting and early-warning systems for global health risks. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107143. [PMID: 35176575 PMCID: PMC8842583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) has been applied to track community infection in cities worldwide and has proven succesful as an early warning system for identification of hotspots and changingprevalence of infections (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) at a city or sub-city level. Wastewater is only one of environmental compartments that requires consideration. In this manuscript, we have critically evaluated the knowledge-base and preparedness for building early warning systems in a rapidly urbanising world, with particular attention to Africa, which experiences rapid population growth and urbanisation. We have proposed a Digital Urban Environment Fingerprinting Platform (DUEF) - a new approach in hazard forecasting and early-warning systems for global health risks and an extension to the existing concept of smart cities. The urban environment (especially wastewater) contains a complex mixture of substances including toxic chemicals, infectious biological agents and human excretion products. DUEF assumes that these specific endo- and exogenous residues, anonymously pooled by communities' wastewater, are indicative of community-wide exposure and the resulting effects. DUEF postulates that the measurement of the substances continuously and anonymously pooled by the receiving environment (sewage, surface water, soils and air), can provide near real-time dynamic information about the quantity and type of physical, biological or chemical stressors to which the surveyed systems are exposed, and can create a risk profile on the potential effects of these exposures. Successful development and utilisation of a DUEF globally requires a tiered approach including: Stage I: network building, capacity building, stakeholder engagement as well as a conceptual model, followed by Stage II: DUEF development, Stage III: implementation, and Stage IV: management and utilization. We have identified four key pillars required for the establishment of a DUEF framework: (1) Environmental fingerprints, (2) Socioeconomic fingerprints, (3) Statistics and modelling and (4) Information systems. This manuscript critically evaluates the current knowledge base within each pillar and provides recommendations for further developments with an aim of laying grounds for successful development of global DUEF platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Adams
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - I D Adewale
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Lagos, 100213 Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - F O Agunbiade
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M I Akinyemi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - E Archer
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - F A Badru
- Department of Social Work, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - J Barnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - I J Bishop
- Earthwatch Europe, Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7DE, UK
| | - M Di Lorenzo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, UK
| | - P Estrela
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - J Faraway
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - M J Fasona
- Department of Geography, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - S A Fayomi
- Research for Sustainable Development Unit, Peculiar Grace Youth Empowerment Initiative, Shasha, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - E J Feil
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - L J Hyatt
- Amazon Web Services, 60 Holborn Viaduct, Holborn, London EC1A 2FD, United Kingdom
| | - A T Irewale
- Research for Sustainable Development Unit, Peculiar Grace Youth Empowerment Initiative, Shasha, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - T Kjeldsen
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - A K S Lasisi
- Environmental Assessment Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - S Loiselle
- Earthwatch Europe, Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7DE, UK
| | - T M Louw
- Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - B Metcalfe
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - S A Nmormah
- Centre for Human Development (CHD), Lagos, Nigeria
| | - T O Oluseyi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - T R Smith
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - M C Snyman
- TecLab SP, Collaborator of Stellenbosch University Water Institute, Stellenbosch 64B. W, South Africa
| | - T O Sogbanmu
- Ecotoxicology and Conservation Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - S Surujlal-Naicker
- Scientific Services Branch, Water and Sanitation Department, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P R Wilson
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - G Wolfaardt
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - C O Yinka-Banjo
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
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171
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Hewitt J, Trowsdale S, Armstrong BA, Chapman JR, Carter KM, Croucher DM, Trent CR, Sim RE, Gilpin BJ. Sensitivity of wastewater-based epidemiology for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a low prevalence setting. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:118032. [PMID: 35042077 PMCID: PMC8720482 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.118032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To assist public health responses to COVID-19, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is being utilised internationally to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infections at the community level. However, questions remain regarding the sensitivity of WBE and its use in low prevalence settings. In this study, we estimated the total number of COVID-19 cases required for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. To do this, we leveraged a unique situation where, over a 4-month period, all symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, in a population of approximately 120,000, were precisely known and mainly located in a single managed isolation and quarantine facility (MIQF) building. From 9 July to 6 November 2020, 24-hr composite wastewater samples (n = 113) were collected daily from the sewer outside the MIQF, and from the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located 5 km downstream. New daily COVID-19 cases at the MIQF ranged from 0 to 17, and for most of the study period there were no cases outside the MIQF identified. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 54.0% (61/113) at the WWTP, compared to 95.6% (108/113) at the MIQF. We used logistic regression to estimate the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA into wastewater based on four infectious shedding models. With a total of 5 and 10 COVID-19 infectious cases per 100,000 population (0.005% and 0.01% prevalence) the predicated probability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection at the WWTP was estimated to be 28 and 41%, respectively. When a proportional shedding model was used, this increased to 58% and 87% for 5 and 10 cases, respectively. In other words, when 10 individuals were actively shedding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a catchment of 100,000 individuals, there was a high likelihood of detecting viral RNA in wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detections at the WWTP were associated with increasing COVID-19 cases. Our results show that WBE provides a reliable and sensitive platform for detecting infections at the community scale, even when case prevalence is low, and can be of use as an early warning system for community outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Hewitt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, 5240, New Zealand.
| | - Sam Trowsdale
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Bridget A Armstrong
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 27 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Joanne R Chapman
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, 5240, New Zealand
| | - Kirsten M Carter
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, 5240, New Zealand
| | - Dawn M Croucher
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, 5240, New Zealand
| | - Cassandra R Trent
- Watercare Services Limited, 52 Aintree Ave, Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary E Sim
- Watercare Services Limited, 52 Aintree Ave, Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brent J Gilpin
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd, 27 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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172
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Mtetwa HN, Amoah ID, Kumari S, Bux F, Reddy P. Molecular surveillance of tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria in wastewater. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08910. [PMID: 35198775 PMCID: PMC8842018 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The surveillance of tuberculosis infections has largely depended on clinical diagnostics and hospitalization data. The advancement in molecular methods creates an opportunity for the adoption of alternative surveillance systems, such as wastewater-based epidemiology. This study presents the use of conventional and advanced polymerase chain reaction techniques (droplet digital PCR) to determine the occurrence and concentration of total mycobacteria and members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in treated and untreated wastewater. Wastewater samples were taken from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the city of Durban, South Africa, known for a high burden of TB/MDR-TB due to HIV infections. All untreated wastewater samples contained total mycobacteria and MTBC at varying percentages per WWTP studied. Other members of the MTBC related to tuberculosis infection in animals, M. bovis and M. caprae were also detected. The highest median concentration detected in untreated wastewater was up to 4.9 (±0.2) Log10 copies/ml for total mycobacteria, 4.0 (±0.85) Log10 copies/ml for MTBC, 3.9 (±0.54) Log10 copies/ml for M. tuberculosis, 2.7 (±0.42) Log10 copies/ml for M. africanum, 4.0 (±0.29) Log10 copies/ml for M. bovis and 4.5 (±0.52) Log10 copies/ml for M. caprae. Lower concentrations were detected in the treated wastewater, with a statistically significant difference (P-value ≤ 0.05) in concentrations observed. The log reduction achieved for these bacteria in the respective WWTPs was not statistically different, indicating that the treatment configuration did not have an impact on their removal. The detection of M. africanum in wastewater from South Africa shows that it is possible that some of the TB infections in the community could be caused by this mycobacterium. This study, therefore, highlights the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring tuberculosis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe N Mtetwa
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.,Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Isaac D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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173
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Wade MJ, Lo Jacomo A, Armenise E, Brown MR, Bunce JT, Cameron GJ, Fang Z, Farkas K, Gilpin DF, Graham DW, Grimsley JMS, Hart A, Hoffmann T, Jackson KJ, Jones DL, Lilley CJ, McGrath JW, McKinley JM, McSparron C, Nejad BF, Morvan M, Quintela-Baluja M, Roberts AMI, Singer AC, Souque C, Speight VL, Sweetapple C, Walker D, Watts G, Weightman A, Kasprzyk-Hordern B. Understanding and managing uncertainty and variability for wastewater monitoring beyond the pandemic: Lessons learned from the United Kingdom national COVID-19 surveillance programmes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127456. [PMID: 34655869 PMCID: PMC8498793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on public health resources around the world. From adversity, opportunities have arisen to measure the state and dynamics of human disease at a scale not seen before. In the United Kingdom, the evidence that wastewater could be used to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 virus prompted the development of National wastewater surveillance programmes. The scale and pace of this work has proven to be unique in monitoring of virus dynamics at a national level, demonstrating the importance of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for public health protection. Beyond COVID-19, it can provide additional value for monitoring and informing on a range of biological and chemical markers of human health. A discussion of measurement uncertainty associated with surveillance of wastewater, focusing on lessons-learned from the UK programmes monitoring COVID-19 is presented, showing that sources of uncertainty impacting measurement quality and interpretation of data for public health decision-making, are varied and complex. While some factors remain poorly understood, we present approaches taken by the UK programmes to manage and mitigate the more tractable sources of uncertainty. This work provides a platform to integrate uncertainty management into WBE activities as part of global One Health initiatives beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Wade
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Anna Lo Jacomo
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; Bristol University, Department of Engineering Mathematics, Bristol BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Elena Armenise
- Environment Agency, Research, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Mathew R Brown
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Joshua T Bunce
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF, UK
| | - Graeme J Cameron
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Strathallan House, Stirling FK9 4TZ, UK
| | - Zhou Fang
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Kata Farkas
- Bangor University, School of Natural Sciences, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Deidre F Gilpin
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Pharmacy, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - David W Graham
- Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Jasmine M S Grimsley
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK
| | - Alwyn Hart
- Environment Agency, Research, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Till Hoffmann
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; Imperial College London, Department of Mathematics, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Katherine J Jackson
- Environment Agency, Research, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - David L Jones
- Bangor University, School of Natural Sciences, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK; The University of Western Australia, UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Chris J Lilley
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK
| | - John W McGrath
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Biological Sciences, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jennifer M McKinley
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment, Stranmills Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - Cormac McSparron
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment, Stranmills Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - Behnam F Nejad
- Queen's University Belfast, School of Natural and Built Environment, Stranmills Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - Mario Morvan
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; University College London, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marcos Quintela-Baluja
- Newcastle University, School of Engineering, Cassie Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Adrian M I Roberts
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Andrew C Singer
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Benson Lane, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Célia Souque
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Vanessa L Speight
- University of Sheffield, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Chris Sweetapple
- UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, UK; University of Exeter, Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
| | - David Walker
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Glenn Watts
- Environment Agency, Research, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Andrew Weightman
- Cardiff University, Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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174
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Zhu Y, Oishi W, Maruo C, Bandara S, Lin M, Saito M, Kitajima M, Sano D. COVID-19 case prediction via wastewater surveillance in a low-prevalence urban community: a modeling approach. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:459-470. [PMID: 36366998 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Estimating and predicting the epidemic size from wastewater surveillance results remains challenging for the practical implementation of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). In this study, by employing a highly sensitive detection method, we documented the time series of SARS-CoV-2 RNA occurrence in the wastewater influent from an urban community with a 360,000 population in Japan, from August 2020 to February 2021. The detection frequency of the viral RNA increased during the outbreak events of COVID-19 and the highest viral RNA concentration was recorded at the beginning of January 2021, amid the most serious outbreak event during the study period. We found that: (1) direct back-calculation still suffers from great uncertainty dominated by inconsistent detection and the varying gap between the observed wastewater viral load and the estimated patient viral load, and (2) the detection frequency correlated well with reported cases and the prediction of the latter can be carried out via data-driven modeling methods. Our results indicate that wastewater virus occurrence can contribute to epidemic surveillance in ways more than back-calculation, which may spawn future wastewater surveillance implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhu
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan E-mail: ; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Wakana Oishi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Chikako Maruo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan
| | - Sewwandi Bandara
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan E-mail:
| | - Mu Lin
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan E-mail:
| | - Mayuko Saito
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kitajima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Frontier Sciences for Advanced Environment, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan E-mail: ; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8597, Japan; Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, 457-4 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan
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175
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Sweetapple C, Melville-Shreeve P, Chen AS, Grimsley JMS, Bunce JT, Gaze W, Fielding S, Wade MJ. Building knowledge of university campus population dynamics to enhance near-to-source sewage surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 detection. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150406. [PMID: 34571237 PMCID: PMC8450208 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has been widely implemented for monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and near-to-source monitoring is of particular interest for outbreak management in discrete populations. However, variation in population size poses a challenge to the triggering of public health interventions using wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentrations. This is especially important for near-to-source sites that are subject to significant daily variability in upstream populations. Focusing on a university campus in England, this study investigates methods to account for variation in upstream populations at a site with highly transient footfall and provides a better understanding of the impact of variable populations on the SARS-CoV-2 trends provided by wastewater-based epidemiology. The potential for complementary data to help direct response activities within the near-to-source population is also explored, and potential concerns arising due to the presence of heavily diluted samples during wet weather are addressed. Using wastewater biomarkers, it is demonstrated that population normalisation can reveal significant differences between days where SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are very similar. Confidence in the trends identified is strongest when samples are collected during dry weather periods; however, wet weather samples can still provide valuable information. It is also shown that building-level occupancy estimates based on complementary data aid identification of potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 and can enable targeted actions to be taken to identify and manage potential sources of pathogen transmission in localised communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Sweetapple
- Joint Biosecurity Centre, Department of Health and Social Care, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, United Kingdom; Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Melville-Shreeve
- Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom
| | - Albert S Chen
- Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine M S Grimsley
- Joint Biosecurity Centre, Department of Health and Social Care, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua T Bunce
- Joint Biosecurity Centre, Department of Health and Social Care, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, United Kingdom; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Seacole Building, London SW1P 4DF, United Kingdom; School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - William Gaze
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Fielding
- Innovation Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Wade
- Joint Biosecurity Centre, Department of Health and Social Care, Windsor House, Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL, United Kingdom; School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
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Castiglioni S, Schiarea S, Pellegrinelli L, Primache V, Galli C, Bubba L, Mancinelli F, Marinelli M, Cereda D, Ammoni E, Pariani E, Zuccato E, Binda S. SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urban wastewater samples to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic in Lombardy, Italy (March-June 2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150816. [PMID: 34627901 PMCID: PMC8497959 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based viral surveillance was proposed as a promising approach to monitor the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urban wastewater, and apply it to follow the trends of epidemic in the framework of a surveillance network in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy). This area was the first hotspot of COVID-19 in Europe and was severely affected. Composite 24 h samples were collected weekly in eight cities from end-March to mid-June 2020 (first peak of the pandemic). The method developed and optimized, involved virus concentration using PEG centrifugation, and one-step real-time RT-PCR for analysis. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified in 65 (61%) out of 107 samples, and the viral concentrations (up to 2.1 E + 05 copies/L) were highest in March-April. By mid-June, wastewater samples tested negative in all the cities corresponding to the very low number of cases recorded in the same period. Viral loads were calculated considering the wastewater daily flow rate and the population served by each wastewater treatment plant, and were used for inter- city comparison. The highest viral loads were found in Brembate, Ranica and Lodi corresponding to the hotspots of the first peak of pandemic. The pattern of decrease of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater was closely comparable to the decline of active COVID-19 cases in the population, reflecting the effect of lock-down. This study tested wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 to follow the pandemic trends in one of most affected areas worldwide, demonstrating that it can integrate ongoing virological surveillance of COVID-19, providing information from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, and monitoring the effect of health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Castiglioni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvia Schiarea
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pellegrinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Primache
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Galli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bubba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mancinelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Pariani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Zuccato
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Binda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
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177
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Róka E, Déri D, Khayer B, Kis Z, Schuler E, Magyar N, Pályi B, Pándics T, Vargha M. SARS-CoV-2 variant detection from wastewater: rapid spread of B.1.1.7 lineage in Hungary. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:277-286. [PMID: 36366986 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a recognised tool for tracking community transmission of COVID-19. From the second half of 2020, the emergence of new, highly infective, more pathogenic or vaccine-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants is the major public health concern. Variant analysis in sewage might assist the early detection of new mutations. Weekly raw sewage samples from 22 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Hungary (representing 40% of the population) were analysed between December 2020 and March 2021 for signature mutations N501Y and del H69/V70 of B.1.1.7 lineage by melting point genotyping and RT-digital droplet PCR (RT-ddPCR). The latter method proved to be more efficient in parallel detection of different variants and also provides quantitative information. Wastewater surveillance indicated that the B.1.1.7 variant first emerged in Budapest in early January 2021 and rapidly became dominant in the entire country. Results are in close agreement with the available clinical data (Pearson's correlation coefficient, R = 0.9153). RT-ddPCR was confirmed to be a reliable tool for tracking emerging variant ratios in wastewaters. It is a rapid and cost-effective method compared to whole-genome sequencing, but only applicable for the detection of known mutations. Efficient variant surveillance might require the combination of multiple methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Róka
- Department of Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary E-mail:
| | - Dániel Déri
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Division of Microbiological Reference Laboratories, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Khayer
- Department of Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary E-mail:
| | - Zoltán Kis
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Division of Microbiological Reference Laboratories, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Schuler
- Department of Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary E-mail:
| | - Nóra Magyar
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Division of Microbiological Reference Laboratories, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- National Biosafety Laboratory, Division of Microbiological Reference Laboratories, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Pándics
- Department of Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary E-mail:
| | - Márta Vargha
- Department of Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., H-1097 Budapest, Hungary E-mail:
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178
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Wu F, Xiao A, Zhang J, Moniz K, Endo N, Armas F, Bonneau R, Brown MA, Bushman M, Chai PR, Duvallet C, Erickson TB, Foppe K, Ghaeli N, Gu X, Hanage WP, Huang KH, Lee WL, Matus M, McElroy KA, Nagler J, Rhode SF, Santillana M, Tucker JA, Wuertz S, Zhao S, Thompson J, Alm EJ. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater foreshadow dynamics and clinical presentation of new COVID-19 cases. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150121. [PMID: 34534872 PMCID: PMC8416286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Current estimates of COVID-19 prevalence are largely based on symptomatic, clinically diagnosed cases. The existence of a large number of undiagnosed infections hampers population-wide investigation of viral circulation. Here, we quantify the SARS-CoV-2 concentration and track its dynamics in wastewater at a major urban wastewater treatment facility in Massachusetts, between early January and May 2020. SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in wastewater on March 3. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater correlated with clinically diagnosed new COVID-19 cases, with the trends appearing 4-10 days earlier in wastewater than in clinical data. We inferred viral shedding dynamics by modeling wastewater viral load as a convolution of back-dated new clinical cases with the average population-level viral shedding function. The inferred viral shedding function showed an early peak, likely before symptom onset and clinical diagnosis, consistent with emerging clinical and experimental evidence. This finding suggests that SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater may be primarily driven by viral shedding early in infection. This work shows that longitudinal wastewater analysis can be used to identify trends in disease transmission in advance of clinical case reporting, and infer early viral shedding dynamics for newly infected individuals, which are difficult to capture in clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqing Wu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Amy Xiao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Katya Moniz
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | | | - Federica Armas
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Richard Bonneau
- Center for Data Science NYU, Center for Social Media and Politics, New York University, USA
| | - Megan A Brown
- Center for Data Science NYU, Center for Social Media and Politics, New York University, USA
| | - Mary Bushman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter R Chai
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Timothy B Erickson
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA; Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, USA
| | | | | | - Xiaoqiong Gu
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | | | - Wei Lin Lee
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | | | | | - Jonathan Nagler
- Center for Data Science NYU, Center for Social Media and Politics, New York University, USA
| | - Steven F Rhode
- Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mauricio Santillana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua A Tucker
- Center for Data Science NYU, Center for Social Media and Politics, New York University, USA
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Enginering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Shijie Zhao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Janelle Thompson
- Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Eric J Alm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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179
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Mtetwa HN, Amoah ID, Kumari S, Bux F, Reddy P. The source and fate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in wastewater and possible routes of transmission. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:145. [PMID: 35057793 PMCID: PMC8781043 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) consists of causative agents of both human and animal tuberculosis and is responsible for over 10 million annual infections globally. Infections occur mainly through airborne transmission, however, there are possible indirect transmissions through a faecal-oral route which is poorly reported. This faecal-oral transmission could be through the occurrence of the microbe in environments such as wastewater. This manuscript, therefore, reviews the source and fate of MTBC in the wastewater environment, including the current methods in use and the possible risks of infections. RESULTS The reviewed literature indicates that about 20% of patients with pulmonary TB may have extra-pulmonary manifestations such as GITB, resulting in shedding in feaces and urine. This could potentially be the reason for the detection of MTBC in wastewater. MTBC concentrations of up to 5.5 × 105 (±3.9 × 105) copies/L of untreated wastewater have been reported. Studies have indicated that wastewater may provide these bacteria with the required nutrients for their growth and could potentially result in environmental transmission. However, 98.6 (± 2.7) %, removal during wastewater treatment, through physical-chemical decantation (primary treatment) and biofiltration (secondary treatment) has been reported. Despite these reports, several studies observed the presence of MTBC in treated wastewater via both culture-dependent and molecular techniques. CONCLUSION The detection of viable MTBC cells in either treated or untreated wastewater, highlights the potential risks of infection for wastewater workers and communities close to these wastewater treatment plants. The generation of aerosols during wastewater treatment could be the main route of transmission. Additionally, direct exposure to the wastewater containing MTBC could potentially contribute to indirect transmissions which may lead to pulmonary or extra-pulmonary infections. This calls for the implementation of risk reduction measures aimed at protecting the exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe N Mtetwa
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Isaac D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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180
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Shah S, Gwee SXW, Ng JQX, Lau N, Koh J, Pang J. Wastewater surveillance to infer COVID-19 transmission: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150060. [PMID: 34798721 PMCID: PMC8423771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Successful detection of SARS-COV-2 in wastewater suggests the potential utility of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 community surveillance. This systematic review aims to assess the performance of wastewater surveillance as early warning system of COVID-19 community transmission. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Embase and the WBE Consortium Registry according to PRISMA guidelines for relevant articles published until 31st July 2021. Relevant data were extracted and summarized. Quality of each paper was assessed using an assessment tool adapted from Bilotta et al.'s tool for environmental science. Of 763 studies identified, 92 studies distributed across 34 countries were shortlisted for qualitative synthesis. A total of 26,197 samples were collected between January 2020 and May 2021 from various locations serving population ranging from 321 to 11,400,000 inhabitants. Overall sample positivity was moderate at 29.2% in all examined settings with the spike (S) gene having maximum rate of positive detections and nucleocapsid (N) gene being the most targeted. Wastewater signals preceded confirmed cases by up to 63 days, with 13 studies reporting sample positivity before the first cases were detected in the community. At least 50 studies reported an association of viral load with community cases. While wastewater surveillance cannot replace large-scale diagnostic testing, it can complement clinical surveillance by providing early signs of potential transmission for more active public health responses. However, more studies using standardized and validated methods are required along with risk analysis and modelling to understand the dynamics of viral outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimoni Shah
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Sylvia Xiao Wei Gwee
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Jamie Qiao Xin Ng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Nicholas Lau
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Jiayun Koh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Junxiong Pang
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
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181
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Pereira AL, de Oliveira PM, Faria-Junior C, Alves EG, de Castro E Caldo Lima GR, da Costa Lamounier TA, Haddad R, de Araújo WN. Environmental spreading of clinically relevant carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli: the occurrence of bla KPC-or-NDM strains relates to local hospital activities. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:6. [PMID: 34979901 PMCID: PMC8725513 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aquatic matrices impacted by sewage may shelter carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) harboring resistance genes of public health concern. In this study, sewage treatment plants (STPs) servicing well-defined catchment areas were surveyed for the presence of CR-GNB bearing carbapenemase genes (blaKPC or blaNDM). Results A total of 325 CR-GNB were recovered from raw (RS) and treated (TS) sewage samples as well as from water body spots upstream (UW) and downstream (DW) from STPs. Klebsiella-Enterobacter (KE) group amounted to 116 isolates (35.7%). CR-KE isolates were recovered from TS, DW (35.7%) and RS samples (44.2%) (p = 0.001); but not from UW samples. KE isolates represented 65.8% of all blaKPC or blaNDM positive strains. The frequency of blaKPC-or-NDM strains was positively associated with the occurrence of district hospitals located near STPs, as well as with the number of hospitalizations and of sewer connections serviced by the STPs. blaKPC-or-NDM strains were recovered from ST samples in 7 out of 14 STPs, including four tertiary-level STPs; and from 6 out of 13 DW spots whose RS samples also had blaKPC-or-NDM strains. Conclusions Clinically relevant GNB bearing blaKPC-or-NDM resist sewage treatments and spread into environmental aquatic matrices mainly from STPs impacted by hospital activities. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02400-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Leite Pereira
- Campus of Ceilândia, University of Brasília. Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Ceilândia Sul, Brasília, DF, CEP: 72220-275, Brazil.
| | - Pâmela Maria de Oliveira
- Campus of Ceilândia, University of Brasília. Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Ceilândia Sul, Brasília, DF, CEP: 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Célio Faria-Junior
- Central Laboratory for Public Health (LACEN-DF), SGAN 601, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, CEP: 70830-010, Brazil
| | - Everton Giovanni Alves
- Central Laboratory for Public Health (LACEN-DF), SGAN 601, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, CEP: 70830-010, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Alves da Costa Lamounier
- Campus of Ceilândia, University of Brasília. Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Ceilândia Sul, Brasília, DF, CEP: 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Haddad
- Campus of Ceilândia, University of Brasília. Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Ceilândia Sul, Brasília, DF, CEP: 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Wildo Navegantes de Araújo
- Campus of Ceilândia, University of Brasília. Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Ceilândia Sul, Brasília, DF, CEP: 72220-275, Brazil
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182
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Diffusional microfluidics for protein analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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183
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Flores-Vargas G, Bergsveinson J, Lawrence JR, Korber DR. Environmental Biofilms as Reservoirs for Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:766242. [PMID: 34970233 PMCID: PMC8713029 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.766242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the response of microbial communities to a range of antibiotic concentrations is one of the strategies used to understand the impact of antibiotic resistance. Many studies have described the occurrence and prevalence of antibiotic resistance in microbial communities from reservoirs such as hospitals, sewage, and farm feedlots, where bacteria are often exposed to high and/or constant concentrations of antibiotics. Outside of these sources, antibiotics generally occur at lower, sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs). The constant exposure to low concentrations of antibiotics may serve as a chemical "cue" that drives development of antibiotic resistance. Low concentrations of antibiotics have not yet been broadly described in reservoirs outside of the aforementioned environments, nor is the transfer and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes within natural microbial communities fully understood. This review will thus focus on low antibiotic-concentration environmental reservoirs and mechanisms that are important in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance to help identify key knowledge gaps concerning the environmental resistome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John R Lawrence
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Darren R Korber
- Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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184
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Domokos E, Sebestyén V, Somogyi V, Trájer AJ, Gerencsér-Berta R, Oláhné Horváth B, Tóth EG, Jakab F, Kemenesi G, Abonyi J. Identification of sampling points for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the sewage system. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2022; 76:103422. [PMID: 34729296 PMCID: PMC8554011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A suitable tool for monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is to identify potential sampling points in the wastewater collection system that can be used to monitor the distribution of COVID-19 disease affected clusters within a city. The applicability of the developed methodology is presented through the description of the 72,837 population equivalent wastewater collection system of the city of Nagykanizsa, Hungary and the results of the analytical and epidemiological measurements of the wastewater samples. The wastewater sampling was conducted during the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. It was found that the overlap between the road system and the wastewater network is high, it is 82 %. It was showed that the proposed methodological approach, using the tools of network science, determines confidently the zones of the wastewater collection system and provides the ideal monitoring points in order to provide the best sampling resolution in urban areas. The strength of the presented approach is that it estimates the network based on publicly available information. It was concluded that the number of zones or sampling points can be chosen based on relevant epidemiological intervention and mitigation strategies. The algorithm allows for continuous effective monitoring of the population infected by SARS-CoV-2 in small-sized cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Domokos
- Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
| | - Viktor Sebestyén
- Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
- MTA-PE "Lendület" Complex Systems Monitoring Research Group, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
| | - Viola Somogyi
- Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
| | - Attila János Trájer
- Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
| | - Renáta Gerencsér-Berta
- Soós Ernö Research and Development Center, University of Pannonia, Zrínyi M Str. 18, Nagykanizsa H-8800, Hungary
| | - Borbála Oláhné Horváth
- Soós Ernö Research and Development Center, University of Pannonia, Zrínyi M Str. 18, Nagykanizsa H-8800, Hungary
| | - Endre Gábor Tóth
- National Laboratory of Virology, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- National Laboratory of Virology, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
| | - János Abonyi
- MTA-PE "Lendület" Complex Systems Monitoring Research Group, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, Veszprém H-8200, Hungary
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185
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Ai Y, Davis A, Jones D, Lemeshow S, Tu H, He F, Ru P, Pan X, Bohrerova Z, Lee J. Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 monitoring as a community-level COVID-19 trend tracker and variants in Ohio, United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149757. [PMID: 34467932 PMCID: PMC8373851 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in more than 129 million confirm cases. Many health authorities around the world have implemented wastewater-based epidemiology as a rapid and complementary tool for the COVID-19 surveillance system and more recently for variants of concern emergence tracking. In this study, three SARS-CoV-2 target genes (N1 and N2 gene regions, and E gene) were quantified from wastewater influent samples (n = 250) obtained from the capital city and 7 other cities in various size in central Ohio from July 2020 to January 2021. To determine human-specific fecal strength in wastewater samples more accurately, two human fecal viruses (PMMoV and crAssphage) were quantified to normalize the SARS-CoV-2 gene concentrations in wastewater. To estimate the trend of new case numbers from SARS-CoV-2 gene levels, different statistical models were built and evaluated. From the longitudinal data, SARS-CoV-2 gene concentrations in wastewater strongly correlated with daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases (average Spearman's r = 0.70, p < 0.05), with the N2 gene region being the best predictor of the trend of confirmed cases. Moreover, average daily case numbers can help reduce the noise and variation from the clinical data. Among the models tested, the quadratic polynomial model performed best in correlating and predicting COVID-19 cases from the wastewater surveillance data, which can be used to track the effectiveness of vaccination in the later stage of the pandemic. Interestingly, neither of the normalization methods using PMMoV or crAssphage significantly enhanced the correlation with new case numbers, nor improved the estimation models. Viral sequencing showed that shifts in strain-defining variants of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples matched those in clinical isolates from the same time periods. The findings from this study support that wastewater surveillance is effective in COVID-19 trend tracking and provide sentinel warning of variant emergence and transmission within various types of communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehan Ai
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Davis
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dan Jones
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; James Molecular Laboratory, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stanley Lemeshow
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Huolin Tu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fan He
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peng Ru
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaokang Pan
- James Molecular Laboratory, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zuzana Bohrerova
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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186
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D'Aoust PM, Towhid ST, Mercier É, Hegazy N, Tian X, Bhatnagar K, Zhang Z, Naughton CC, MacKenzie AE, Graber TE, Delatolla R. COVID-19 wastewater surveillance in rural communities: Comparison of lagoon and pumping station samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149618. [PMID: 34418622 PMCID: PMC8360995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology/wastewater surveillance has been a topic of significant interest over the last year due to its application in SARS-CoV-2 surveillance to track prevalence of COVID-19 in communities. Although SARS-CoV-2 surveillance has been applied in more than 50 countries to date, the application of this surveillance has been largely focused on relatively affluent urban and peri-urban communities. As such, there is a knowledge gap regarding the implementation of reliable wastewater surveillance in small and rural communities for the purpose of tracking rates of incidence of COVID-19 and other pathogens or biomarkers. This study examines the relationships existing between SARS-CoV-2 viral signal from wastewater samples harvested from an upstream pumping station and from an access port at a downstream wastewater treatment lagoon with the community's COVID-19 rate of incidence (measured as percent test positivity) in a small, rural community in Canada. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the N1 and N2 genes of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrate that all 24-h composite samples harvested from the pumping station over a period of 5.5 weeks had strong viral signal, while all samples 24-h composite samples harvested from the lagoon over the same period were below the limit of quantification. RNA concentrations and integrity of samples harvested from the lagoon were both lower and more variable than from samples from the upstream pumping station collected on the same date, indicating a higher overall stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA upstream of the lagoon. Additionally, measurements of PMMoV signal in wastewater allowed normalizing SARS-CoV-2 viral signal for fecal matter content, permitting the detection of actual changes in community prevalence with a high level of granularity. As a result, in sewered small and rural communities or low-income regions operating wastewater lagoons, samples for wastewater surveillance should be harvested from pumping stations or the sewershed as opposed to lagoons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M D'Aoust
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Élisabeth Mercier
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nada Hegazy
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kamya Bhatnagar
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alex E MacKenzie
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyson E Graber
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Delatolla
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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187
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Ai Y, Davis A, Jones D, Lemeshow S, Tu H, He F, Ru P, Pan X, Bohrerova Z, Lee J. Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 monitoring as a community-level COVID-19 trend tracker and variants in Ohio, United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149757. [PMID: 34467932 DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.08.21258421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in more than 129 million confirm cases. Many health authorities around the world have implemented wastewater-based epidemiology as a rapid and complementary tool for the COVID-19 surveillance system and more recently for variants of concern emergence tracking. In this study, three SARS-CoV-2 target genes (N1 and N2 gene regions, and E gene) were quantified from wastewater influent samples (n = 250) obtained from the capital city and 7 other cities in various size in central Ohio from July 2020 to January 2021. To determine human-specific fecal strength in wastewater samples more accurately, two human fecal viruses (PMMoV and crAssphage) were quantified to normalize the SARS-CoV-2 gene concentrations in wastewater. To estimate the trend of new case numbers from SARS-CoV-2 gene levels, different statistical models were built and evaluated. From the longitudinal data, SARS-CoV-2 gene concentrations in wastewater strongly correlated with daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases (average Spearman's r = 0.70, p < 0.05), with the N2 gene region being the best predictor of the trend of confirmed cases. Moreover, average daily case numbers can help reduce the noise and variation from the clinical data. Among the models tested, the quadratic polynomial model performed best in correlating and predicting COVID-19 cases from the wastewater surveillance data, which can be used to track the effectiveness of vaccination in the later stage of the pandemic. Interestingly, neither of the normalization methods using PMMoV or crAssphage significantly enhanced the correlation with new case numbers, nor improved the estimation models. Viral sequencing showed that shifts in strain-defining variants of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples matched those in clinical isolates from the same time periods. The findings from this study support that wastewater surveillance is effective in COVID-19 trend tracking and provide sentinel warning of variant emergence and transmission within various types of communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehan Ai
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Davis
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dan Jones
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; James Molecular Laboratory, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stanley Lemeshow
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Huolin Tu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fan He
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peng Ru
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaokang Pan
- James Molecular Laboratory, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zuzana Bohrerova
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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188
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Molecular Methods for Pathogenic Bacteria Detection and Recent Advances in Wastewater Analysis. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13243551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With increasing concerns about public health and the development of molecular techniques, new detection tools and the combination of existing approaches have increased the abilities of pathogenic bacteria monitoring by exploring new biomarkers, increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of detection, quantification, and analyzing various genes such as functional genes and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG). Molecular methods are gradually emerging as the most popular detection approach for pathogens, in addition to the conventional culture-based plate enumeration methods. The analysis of pathogens in wastewater and the back-estimation of infections in the community, also known as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), is an emerging methodology and has a great potential to supplement current surveillance systems for the monitoring of infectious diseases and the early warning of outbreaks. However, as a complex matrix, wastewater largely challenges the analytical performance of molecular methods. This review synthesized the literature of typical pathogenic bacteria in wastewater, types of biomarkers, molecular methods for bacterial analysis, and their recent advances in wastewater analysis. The advantages and limitation of these molecular methods were evaluated, and their prospects in WBE were discussed to provide insight for future development.
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189
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Mainardi PH, Bidoia ED. Challenges and emerging perspectives of an international SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in wastewater. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20210163. [PMID: 34878048 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120210163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a new type of coronavirus capable to infect humans and cause the severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19, a disease that has been causing huge impacts across the Earth. COVID-19 patients, including mild, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, were often seen to contain infectious fragments of SARS-CoV-2 in feces and urine samples. Therefore, studies to detect the new coronavirus in wastewater, which collect and concentrate human excreta, have been extremely useful as a viral tracking tool in communities. This type of monitoring, in addition to serve as a non-invasive early warning of COVID-19 outbreaks, would provide better predictions about the SARS-CoV-2 spread and strongly contribute to maintenance the global health. Although current methods to detect viruses in wastewater, based on molecular RT-PCR and RT-qPCR techniques, were considered as reliable and provided accurate qualitative and quantitative results, they have been facing considerable challenges concerning the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. In this review, the methods used to detect the SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the challenges to implement an international viral monitoring network were described. The article also addressed the emerging perspectives associated with the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in this environment and the importance of a worldwide collaboration to generate and disseminate the detection results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H Mainardi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho /UNESP, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, 13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Ederio D Bidoia
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho /UNESP, Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, 13506900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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190
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Eloffy MG, El-Sherif DM, Abouzid M, Elkodous MA, El-nakhas HS, Sadek RF, Ghorab MA, Al-Anazi A, El-Sayyad GS. Proposed approaches for coronaviruses elimination from wastewater: Membrane techniques and nanotechnology solutions. NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS 2021; 11:1-25. [DOI: 10.1515/ntrev-2022-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Since the beginning of the third Millennium, specifically during the last 18 years, three outbreaks of diseases have been recorded caused by coronaviruses (CoVs). The latest outbreak of these diseases was Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. For this reason, current efforts of the environmental, epidemiology scientists, engineers, and water sector professionals are ongoing to detect CoV in environmental components, especially water, and assess the relative risk of exposure to these systems and any measures needed to protect the public health, workers, and public, in general. This review presents a brief overview of CoV in water, wastewater, and surface water based on a literature search providing different solutions to keep water protected from CoV. Membrane techniques are very attractive solutions for virus elimination in water. In addition, another essential solution is nanotechnology and its applications in the detection and protection of human and water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. G. Eloffy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Dina M. El-Sherif
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences , 6 Święcickiego Street , 60-781 Poznan , Poland
| | - Mohamed Abd Elkodous
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Information Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology , Toyohashi , Aichi 441-8580 , Japan
| | | | - Rawia F. Sadek
- Chemical Maintenance Unit, Experimental Training Research Reactor Number two (ETRR-2), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) , P.O. Box 13759 , Cairo , Egypt
- Drug Radiation Research Department, Drug Microbiology Laboratory, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) , P.O. Box 13759 , Nasr City, Cairo , Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Ghorab
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) , Washington , DC , USA
- Department of Animal Science, Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Institute for Integrative Toxicology (IIT), Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI 48824 , USA
| | - Abdulaziz Al-Anazi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering King Saud University (KSU) , P.O. Box 800 , Riyadh 11421 , Saudi
| | - Gharieb S. El-Sayyad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University , New Galala city , Suez , Egypt
- Drug Radiation Research Department, Drug Microbiology Laboratory, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) , P.O. Box 29 , Nasr City, Cairo , Egypt
- Chemical Engineering Department, Military Technical College (MTC), Egyptian Armed Forces , Cairo , Egypt
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191
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Pepe Razzolini MT, Funada Barbosa MR, Silva de Araújo R, Freitas de Oliveira I, Mendes-Correa MC, Sabino EC, Garcia SC, de Paula AV, Villas-Boas LS, Costa SF, Dropa M, Brandão de Assis D, Levin BS, Pedroso de Lima AC, Levin AS. SARS-CoV-2 in a stream running through an underprivileged, underserved, urban settlement in São Paulo, Brazil: A 7-month follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118003. [PMID: 34425371 PMCID: PMC8373523 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to concerns on the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, its infectivity from the environment and, the relevance of transmission via environmental compartments. During 31 weeks, water samples were collected from a heavily contaminated stream going through an urban, underprivileged community without sewage collection. Our results showed a statistically significant correlation between cases of COVID-19 and SARS in the community, and SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the water. Based on the model, if the concentrations of SARS-CoV-RNA (N1 and N2 target regions) increase 10 times, there is an expected increase of 104% [95%CI: (62-157%)] and 92% [95%CI: (51-143%)], respectively, in the number of cases of COVID-19 and SARS. We believe that differences in concentration of the virus in the environment reflect the epidemiological status in the community, which may be important information for surveillance and controlling dissemination in areas with vulnerable populations and poor sanitation. None of the samples were found infectious based cultures. Our results may be applicable globally as similar communities exist worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tereza Pepe Razzolini
- School of Public Health of Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, Brazil.
| | - Mikaela Renata Funada Barbosa
- NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, Brazil; CETESB - Environmental Company of São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Cássia Mendes-Correa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ester C Sabino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson V de Paula
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucy S Villas-Boas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Figueiredo Costa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena Dropa
- School of Public Health of Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Beatriz S Levin
- Guttman Community College, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Anna S Levin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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192
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Sharkey ME, Kumar N, Mantero AMA, Babler KM, Boone MM, Cardentey Y, Cortizas EM, Grills GS, Herrin J, Kemper JM, Kenney R, Kobetz E, Laine J, Lamar WE, Mader CC, Mason CE, Quintero AZ, Reding BD, Roca MA, Ryon K, Solle NS, Schürer SC, Shukla B, Stevenson M, Stone T, Tallon JJ, Venkatapuram SS, Vidovic D, Williams SL, Young B, Solo-Gabriele HM. Lessons learned from SARS-CoV-2 measurements in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149177. [PMID: 34375259 PMCID: PMC8294117 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Standardized protocols for wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for the RNA of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, are being developed and refined worldwide for early detection of disease outbreaks. We report here on lessons learned from establishing a WBS program for SARS-CoV-2 integrated with a human surveillance program for COVID-19. We have established WBS at three campuses of a university, including student residential dormitories and a hospital that treats COVID-19 patients. Lessons learned from this WBS program address the variability of water quality, new detection technologies, the range of detectable viral loads in wastewater, and the predictive value of integrating environmental and human surveillance data. Data from our WBS program indicated that water quality was statistically different between sewer sampling sites, with more variability observed in wastewater coming from individual buildings compared to clusters of buildings. A new detection technology was developed based upon the use of a novel polymerase called V2G. Detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater varied from 102 to 106 genomic copies (gc) per liter of raw wastewater (L). Integration of environmental and human surveillance data indicate that WBS detection of 100 gc/L of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater was associated with a positivity rate of 4% as detected by human surveillance in the wastewater catchment area, though confidence intervals were wide (β ~ 8.99 ∗ ln(100); 95% CI = 0.90-17.08; p < 0.05). Our data also suggest that early detection of COVID-19 surges based on correlations between viral load in wastewater and human disease incidence could benefit by increasing the wastewater sample collection frequency from weekly to daily. Coupling simpler and faster detection technology with more frequent sampling has the potential to improve the predictive potential of using WBS of SARS-CoV-2 for early detection of the onset of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alejandro M A Mantero
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kristina M Babler
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Melinda M Boone
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yoslayma Cardentey
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elena M Cortizas
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - George S Grills
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Jenny M Kemper
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard Kenney
- Housing Operations & Facilities, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Erin Kobetz
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Laine
- Environmental Health and Safety, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Walter E Lamar
- Facilities Safety & Compliance, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christopher C Mader
- Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Brian D Reding
- Environmental Health and Safety, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew A Roca
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Krista Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephan C Schürer
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicines, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bhavarth Shukla
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mario Stevenson
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas Stone
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - John J Tallon
- Facilities and Operations, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | - Dusica Vidovic
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicines, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sion L Williams
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Benjamin Young
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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193
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Prado T, Barbosa MRF, Araújo RS, Garcia SC, Melo AJ, Galvani AT, Brandão CJ, Silva RLO, Sato MIZ. Hepatitis A Outbreaks and Environmental Circulation of Genotype IA Strains in the São Paulo City, 2017-2018. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:520-527. [PMID: 34532781 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the major cause of enterically transmitted infectious hepatitis. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of confirmed cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) increased from 64 to 786 in São Paulo affecting mainly adults aged between 18 and 39 years (80%) and males (88%). To support epidemiological surveillance, the present study monitored the presence of HAV in urban sewage samples collected bimonthly for 1 year (November 2017-November 2018) in the central region of the city, where most of cases were detected. Sewage samples were concentrated by polyethylene glycol precipitation and HAV RNA was quantified by RT-qPCR. Nucleotide sequencing targeting the VP1/2A junction region was carried out to genotype the HAV strains. HAV was detected in 76.9% (40/52) of the samples, with a geometric mean viral load of 5.09 × 104 (± SD 4.51 × 105) genome copies (GC/L) (Mauá Street) and 5.27 × 104 (± SD 1.26 × 106) GC/L (Prestes Maia Avenue). Of the 40 positive samples, 8 were typed as HAV subgenotype IA [100% nucleotide (nt) identity with HAV strain VRD_521_2016]. Highest homology was obtained with sequences from European countries (Italy, Spain) and Israel, all of which had reported recent HAV outbreaks associated with men who have sex with men. Our results highlight that wastewater surveillance is a useful tool to support investigating HAV outbreaks in the community, including circulating genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Prado
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Mikaela Renata Funada Barbosa
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Ronalda Silva Araújo
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Suzi Cristina Garcia
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Adalgisa Jesus Melo
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Tereza Galvani
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Jesus Brandão
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Renan Lourenço Oliveira Silva
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Environmental Analysis, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo, CEP 05459-900, Brazil
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194
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Cutrupi F, Cadonna M, Manara S, Foladori P. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in extensive monitoring of municipal wastewater: key issues to yield reliable results. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 84:3508-3514. [PMID: 34928822 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 in the stool of infected people as in urban wastewater. The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater appears today as a powerful tool that can help in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). The goal is to improve the prediction of new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks and provide an early warning of the evolution of the infection. In this research, we highlighted some practical and scientific aspects that emerged during an extensive ongoing monitoring campaign carried out on a large number of wastewater treatment plants located in the province of Trento (North Italy) and aimed at the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in raw municipal wastewater. The open issues underline are related to the collection and storage (sampling protocol, storage and heat treatment), to the molecular analysis (enrichment phase), and to the mathematical calculation of SARS-CoV-2 load in wastewater, suitable for WBE (standard curve to obtain the concentration of genomic units and flow rate measurements). This study provides some insights that can help in the implementation of surveillance plans in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cutrupi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM), University of Trento, via Mesiano, n. 77, 38123 Trento, Italy E-mail:
| | - M Cadonna
- ADEP - Agenzia per la Depurazione, Autonomous Province of Trento, via Gilli, n. 3, 38121 Trento, Italy
| | - S Manara
- Department of Cellular Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive, n. 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - P Foladori
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM), University of Trento, via Mesiano, n. 77, 38123 Trento, Italy E-mail:
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195
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Janssen L, de Almeida FM, Damasceno TAS, Baptista RDP, Pappas GJ, de Campos TA, Martins VDP. A Novel Multidrug Resistant, Non-Tn 4401 Genetic Element-Bearing, Strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated From an Urban Lake With Drinking and Recreational Water Reuse. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732324. [PMID: 34899623 PMCID: PMC8654192 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing and urgent issue for human health worldwide, as it leads to the reduction of available antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, in turn increasing hospital stays and lethality. Therefore, the study and genomic surveillance of bacterial carriers of resistance in and outside of clinical settings is of utter importance. A colony of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria identified as Klebsiella spp., by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, has been isolated from an urban lake in Brazil, during a drug-degrading bacterial prospection. Genomic analyses revealed the bacteria as Klebsiella pneumoniae species. Furthermore, the in silico Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) identified the genome as a new sequence type, ST5236. The search for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) detected the presence of genes against beta-lactams, fosfomycin, acriflavine and efflux pumps, as well as genes for heavy metal resistance. Of particular note, an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene (blaCTX-M-15) has been detected in close proximity to siphoviridae genes, while a carbapenemase gene (KPC-2) has been found in an extrachromosomal contig, within a novel non-Tn4401 genetic element (NTEKPC). An extrachromosomal contig found in the V3 isolate is identical to a contig of a K. pneumoniae isolate from a nearby hospital, which indicates a putative gene flow from the hospital network into Paranoá lake. The discovery of a MDR isolate in this lake is worrisome, as the region has recently undergone periods of water scarcity causing the lake, which receives treated wastewater effluent, and is already used for recreational purposes, to be used as an environmental buffer for drinking water reuse. Altogether, our results indicate an underrepresentation of environmental K. pneumoniae among available genomes, which may hamper the understanding of the population dynamics of the species in the environment and its consequences in the spread of ARGs and virulence genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Janssen
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Marques de Almeida
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo de Paula Baptista
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Georgios Joannis Pappas
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Amabile de Campos
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Vicente de Paulo Martins
- Department of Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
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196
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Picó Y, Barceló D. Mass Spectrometry in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for the Determination of Small and Large Molecules as Biomarkers of Exposure: Toward a Global View of Environment and Human Health under the COVID-19 Outbreak. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:30865-30872. [PMID: 34841130 PMCID: PMC8613814 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) estimates collective consumption or exposure to chemicals or pathogens by monitoring the substances excreted in the population's wastewater. Advances in mass spectrometry (MS) and the application of some clinical diagnostic tools and proteomics to wastewater fingerprinting have been linked to the discovery of new biomarkers and indicators of population health and are broadening the scope of WBE that nowadays cover not only small molecule biomarkers but also genetic biomarkers, large molecules, viruses, infection diseases, resistance, etc. This mini-review highlights recent WBE advances using MS and how this progress can create a fingerprint of a city's health hazards, habits, and lifestyle, which is gaining in public health emphasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Picó
- Environmental
and Food Safety Research Group-University of Valencia (SAMA-UV), Desertification
Research Centre (CIDE), Joint Center CSIC-University
of Valencia-Generalitat Valenciana, Moncada Naquera Road km 4.3, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water
and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18−26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan
Institute for Water Research, ICRA − CERCA, Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
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197
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Bhattarai B, Sahulka SQ, Podder A, Hong S, Li H, Gilcrease E, Beams A, Steed R, Goel R. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 genes in water reclamation facilities: From influent to anaerobic digester. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148905. [PMID: 34271386 PMCID: PMC8259039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Several treatment plants were sampled for influent, primary clarifier sludge, return activated sludge (RAS), and anaerobically digested sludge throughout nine weeks during the summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary clarifier sludge had a significantly higher number of SARS-CoV-2 gene copy number per liter (GC/L) than other sludge samples, within a range from 1.0 × 105 to 1.0 × 106 GC/L. Gene copy numbers in raw influent significantly correlated with gene copy numbers in RAS in Silver Creek (p-value = 0.007, R2 = 0.681) and East Canyon (p-value = 0.009, R2 = 0.775) WRFs; both of which lack primary clarifiers or industrial pretreatment processes. This data indicates that SARS-CoV-2 gene copies tend to partition into primary clarifier sludges, at which point a significant portion of them are removed through sedimentation. Furthermore, it was found that East Canyon WRF gene copy numbers in influent were a significant predictor of daily cases (p-value = 0.0322, R2 = 0.561), and gene copy numbers in RAS were a significant predictor of weekly cases (p-value = 0.0597, R2 = 0.449). However, gene copy numbers found in primary sludge samples from other plants significantly predicted the number of COVID-19 cases for the following week (t = 2.279) and the week after that (t = 2.122) respectively. These data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 extracted from WRF biosolids may better suit epidemiological monitoring that exhibits a time lag. It also supports the observation that primary sludge removes a significant portion of SARS-CoV-2 marker genes. In its absence, RAS can also be used to predict the number of COVID-19 cases due to direct flow through from influent. This research represents the first of its kind to thoroughly examine SARS-CoV-2 gene copy numbers in biosolids throughout the wastewater treatment process and the relationship between primary, return activated, and anaerobically digested sludge and reported positive COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishav Bhattarai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | | | - Aditi Podder
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Soklida Hong
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Hanyan Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Eddie Gilcrease
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Alex Beams
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca Steed
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, UT, USA
| | - Ramesh Goel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, UT, USA.
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198
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Mondal S, Feirer N, Brockman M, Preston MA, Teter SJ, Ma D, Goueli SA, Moorji S, Saul B, Cali JJ. A direct capture method for purification and detection of viral nucleic acid enables epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021. [PMID: 34252764 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.06.21256753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in the feces of infected individuals. This finding spurred investigation into using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA and track the appearance and spread of COVID-19 in communities. SARS-CoV-2 is present at low levels in wastewater, making sample concentration a prerequisite for sensitive detection and utility in WBE. Whereas common methods for isolating viral genetic material are biased toward intact virus isolation, it is likely that a relatively low percentage of the total SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in wastewater is contained within intact virions. Therefore, we hypothesized that a direct unbiased total nucleic acid(TNA) extraction method could overcome the cumbersome protocols, variability and low recovery rates associated with the former methods. This led to development of a simple, rapid, and modular alternative to existing purification methods. In an initial concentration step, chaotropic agents are added to raw sewage allowing binding of nucleic acid from free nucleoprotein complexes, partially intact, and intact virions to a silica matrix. The eluted nucleic acid is then purified using manual or semi-automated methods. RT-qPCR enzyme mixes were formulated that demonstrate substantial inhibitor resistance. In addition, multiplexed probe-based RT-qPCR assays detecting the N1, N2 (nucleocapsid) and E (envelope) gene fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were developed. The RT-qPCR assays also contain primers and probes to detect Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), a fecal indicator RNA virus present in wastewater, and an exogenous control RNA to measure effects of RT-qPCR inhibitors. Using this workflow, we monitored wastewater samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Dane County, Wisconsin. We also successfully sequenced a subset of samples to ensure compatibility with a SARS-CoV-2 amplicon panel and demonstrated the potential for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection. Data obtained here underscore the potential for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhanjan Mondal
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America.
| | - Nathan Feirer
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Michael Brockman
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Melanie A Preston
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Sarah J Teter
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Dongping Ma
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Said A Goueli
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Sameer Moorji
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Brigitta Saul
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - James J Cali
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
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199
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Mondal S, Feirer N, Brockman M, Preston MA, Teter SJ, Ma D, Goueli SA, Moorji S, Saul B, Cali JJ. A direct capture method for purification and detection of viral nucleic acid enables epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148834. [PMID: 34252764 PMCID: PMC8262391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in the feces of infected individuals. This finding spurred investigation into using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA and track the appearance and spread of COVID-19 in communities. SARS-CoV-2 is present at low levels in wastewater, making sample concentration a prerequisite for sensitive detection and utility in WBE. Whereas common methods for isolating viral genetic material are biased toward intact virus isolation, it is likely that a relatively low percentage of the total SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in wastewater is contained within intact virions. Therefore, we hypothesized that a direct unbiased total nucleic acid(TNA) extraction method could overcome the cumbersome protocols, variability and low recovery rates associated with the former methods. This led to development of a simple, rapid, and modular alternative to existing purification methods. In an initial concentration step, chaotropic agents are added to raw sewage allowing binding of nucleic acid from free nucleoprotein complexes, partially intact, and intact virions to a silica matrix. The eluted nucleic acid is then purified using manual or semi-automated methods. RT-qPCR enzyme mixes were formulated that demonstrate substantial inhibitor resistance. In addition, multiplexed probe-based RT-qPCR assays detecting the N1, N2 (nucleocapsid) and E (envelope) gene fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were developed. The RT-qPCR assays also contain primers and probes to detect Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV), a fecal indicator RNA virus present in wastewater, and an exogenous control RNA to measure effects of RT-qPCR inhibitors. Using this workflow, we monitored wastewater samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Dane County, Wisconsin. We also successfully sequenced a subset of samples to ensure compatibility with a SARS-CoV-2 amplicon panel and demonstrated the potential for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection. Data obtained here underscore the potential for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhanjan Mondal
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America.
| | - Nathan Feirer
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Michael Brockman
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Melanie A Preston
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Sarah J Teter
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Dongping Ma
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Said A Goueli
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Sameer Moorji
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - Brigitta Saul
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
| | - James J Cali
- Promega Corporation, 5430 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, United States of America
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200
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Rothman JA, Loveless TB, Kapcia J, Adams ED, Steele JA, Zimmer-Faust AG, Langlois K, Wanless D, Griffith M, Mao L, Chokry J, Griffith JF, Whiteson KL. RNA Viromics of Southern California Wastewater and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Single-Nucleotide Variants. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0144821. [PMID: 34550753 PMCID: PMC8579973 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01448-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Municipal wastewater provides an integrated sample of a diversity of human-associated microbes across a sewershed, including viruses. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising strategy to detect pathogens and may serve as an early warning system for disease outbreaks. Notably, WBE has garnered substantial interest during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to track disease burden through analyses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, tracking SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has been an important tool for understanding the spread of the virus. Unlike traditional sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from clinical samples, which adds testing burden to the health care system, in this study, metatranscriptomics was used to sequence virus directly from wastewater. Here, we present a study in which we explored RNA viral diversity through sequencing 94 wastewater influent samples across seven wastewater treatment plants (WTPs), collected from August 2020 to January 2021, representing approximately 16 million people in Southern California. Enriched viral libraries identified a wide diversity of RNA viruses that differed between WTPs and over time, with detected viruses including coronaviruses, influenza A, and noroviruses. Furthermore, single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of SARS-CoV-2 were identified in wastewater, and we measured proportions of overall virus and SNVs across several months. We detected several SNVs that are markers for clinically important SARS-CoV-2 variants along with SNVs of unknown function, prevalence, or epidemiological consequence. Our study shows the potential of WBE to detect viruses in wastewater and to track the diversity and spread of viral variants in urban and suburban locations, which may aid public health efforts to monitor disease outbreaks. IMPORTANCE Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can detect pathogens across sewersheds, which represents the collective waste of human populations. As there is a wide diversity of RNA viruses in wastewater, monitoring the presence of these viruses is useful for public health, industry, and ecological studies. Specific to public health, WBE has proven valuable during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to track the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) without adding burden to health care systems. In this study, we used metatranscriptomics and reverse transcription-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) to assay RNA viruses across Southern California wastewater from August 2020 to January 2021, representing approximately 16 million people from Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. We found that SARS-CoV-2 quantification in wastewater correlates well with county-wide COVID-19 case data, and that we can detect SARS-CoV-2 single-nucleotide variants through sequencing. Likewise, wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) harbored different viromes, and we detected other human pathogens, such as noroviruses and adenoviruses, furthering our understanding of wastewater viral ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A. Rothman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Theresa B. Loveless
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Joseph Kapcia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Eric D. Adams
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Joshua A. Steele
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | | | - Kylie Langlois
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - David Wanless
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - Madison Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - Lucy Mao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Chokry
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - John F. Griffith
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - Katrine L. Whiteson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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