1
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Yang Y, Tan J, Wang F, Sun W, Shi H, Cheng Z, Xie Y, Zhou X. Preconcentration and detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: A comprehensive review. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 263:116617. [PMID: 39094290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the health of human beings and the global economy. The patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had viral RNA or live infectious viruses in feces. Thus, the possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater received great attentions. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can serve as an early indicator of the infection within communities. We summarized the preconcentration and detection technology of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater aiming at the complex matrices of wastewater and low virus concentration and compared their performance characteristics. We described the emerging tests that would be possible to realize the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in fields and encourage academics to advance their technologies beyond conception. We concluded with a brief discussion on the outlook for integrating preconcentration and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 with emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Yang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jisui Tan
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weiming Sun
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanchang Shi
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhao Cheng
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yangcun Xie
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100043, China.
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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2
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Okada Y, Nishiura H. Estimating the effective reproduction number of COVID-19 from population-wide wastewater data: An application in Kagawa, Japan. Infect Dis Model 2024; 9:645-656. [PMID: 38628353 PMCID: PMC11017061 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2024.03.006] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Although epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 has been gradually downgraded globally, the transmission of COVID-19 continues. It is critical to quantify the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 using multiple datasets including wastewater virus concentration data. Herein, we propose a comprehensive method for estimating the effective reproduction number using wastewater data. The wastewater virus concentration data, which were collected twice a week, were analyzed using daily COVID-19 incidence data obtained from Takamatsu, Japan between January 2022 and September 2022. We estimated the shedding load distribution (SLD) as a function of time since the date of infection, using a model employing the delay distribution, which is assumed to follow a gamma distribution, multiplied by a scaling factor. We also examined models that accounted for the temporal smoothness of viral load measurement data. The model that smoothed temporal patterns of viral load was the best fit model (WAIC = 2795.8), which yielded a mean estimated distribution of SLD of 3.46 days (95% CrI: 3.01-3.95 days). Using this SLD, we reconstructed the daily incidence, which enabled computation of the effective reproduction number. Using the best fit posterior draws of parameters directly, or as a prior distribution for subsequent analyses, we first used a model that assumed temporal smoothness of viral load concentrations in wastewater, as well as infection counts by date of infection. In the subsequent approach, we examined models that also incorporated weekly reported case counts as a proxy for weekly incidence reporting. Both approaches enabled estimations of the epidemic curve as well as the effective reproduction number from twice-weekly wastewater viral load data. Adding weekly case count data reduced the uncertainty of the effective reproduction number. We conclude that wastewater data are still a valuable source of information for inferring the transmission dynamics of COVID-19, and that inferential performance is enhanced when those data are combined with weekly incidence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Okada
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiura
- Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8601, Japan
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3
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Denpetkul T, Pumkaew M, Sittipunsakda O, Srathongneam T, Mongkolsuk S, Sirikanchana K. Risk-based critical concentrations of enteric pathogens for recreational water criteria and recommended minimum sample volumes for routine water monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175234. [PMID: 39102962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Concerns are rising about the contamination of recreational waters from human and animal waste, along with associated risks to public health. However, existing guidelines for managing pathogens in these environments have not yet fully integrated risk-based pathogen-specific criteria, which, along with recent advancements in indicators and markers, are essential to improve the protection of public health. This study aimed to establish risk-based critical concentration benchmarks for significant enteric pathogens, i.e., norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Applying a 0.036 risk benchmark to both marine and freshwater environments, the study identified the lowest critical concentrations for children, who are the most susceptible group. Norovirus, C. jejuni, and Cryptosporidium presented lowest median critical concentrations for virus, bacteria, and protozoa, respectively: 0.74 GC, 1.73 CFU, and 0.39 viable oocysts per 100 mL in freshwater for children. These values were then used to determine minimum sample volumes corresponding to different recovery rates for culture method, digital polymerase chain reaction and quantitative PCR methods. The results indicate that for children, norovirus required the largest sample volumes of freshwater and marine water (52.08 to 178.57 L, based on the 5th percentile with a 10 % recovery rate), reflecting its low critical concentration and high potential for causing illness. In contrast, adenovirus and rotavirus required significantly smaller volumes (approximately 0.24 to 1.33 L). C. jejuni and Cryptosporidium, which required the highest sampling volumes for bacteria and protozoa, needed 1.72 to 11.09 L and 4.17 to 25.51 L, respectively. Additionally, the presented risk-based framework could provide a model for establishing pathogen thresholds, potentially guiding the creation of extensive risk-based criteria for various pathogens in recreational waters, thus aiding public health authorities in decision-making, strengthening pathogen monitoring, and improving water quality testing accuracy for enhanced health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thammanitchpol Denpetkul
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Monchai Pumkaew
- Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management Program, School of Multidisciplinary, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
| | - Oranoot Sittipunsakda
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thitima Srathongneam
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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4
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Yang S, Jiao Y, Dong Q, Li S, Xu C, Liu Y, Sun L, Huang X. Evaluating approach uncertainties of quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: Concentration, extraction and amplification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175285. [PMID: 39102960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Substantial uncertainties pose challenges to the accuracy of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) quantification in wastewater. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of two concentration methods, three nucleic acid extraction methods, and the amplification performance of eight primer-probe sets. Our results showed that the two concentration methods exhibited similar recovery rates. Specifically, using a 30 kDa cut-off ultrafilter and a centrifugal force of 2500 g achieved the highest virus recovery rates (27.32 ± 8.06 % and 26.37 ± 7.77 %, respectively), with lower corresponding quantification uncertainties of 29.51 % and 29.47 % in ultrafiltration methods. Similarly, a 15 % PEG concentration with 1.5 M NaCl markedly improved virus recovery (26.76 ± 5.92 % and 28.47 ± 6.74 %, respectively), and reducing variation to 22.16 % and 23.66 % in the PEG precipitation method. Additionally, employing a vigorous bead-beating approach at 6 m/s during viral RNA extraction significantly increased RNA yield, with an efficiency reaching up to 82.18 %. Among the evaluated eight primer-probe sets, the E_Sarbeco primer-probe set provided the most stable and consistent quantitative results across various sample matrices. These findings are crucial for establishing robust viral quantification protocols and enhancing methodological precision for effective wastewater surveillance, enabling sensitive and precise detection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolin Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Beijing Chaoyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qian Dong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Siqi Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Chenyang Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China
| | - Yanchen Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China.
| | - Lingli Sun
- Beijing Chaoyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 10084, China.
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5
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Wang MX, Lou EG, Sapoval N, Kim E, Kalvapalle P, Kille B, Elworth RAL, Liu Y, Fu Y, Stadler LB, Treangen TJ. Olivar: towards automated variant aware primer design for multiplex tiled amplicon sequencing of pathogens. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6306. [PMID: 39060254 PMCID: PMC11282221 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49957-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tiled amplicon sequencing has served as an essential tool for tracking the spread and evolution of pathogens. Over 15 million complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes are now publicly available, most sequenced and assembled via tiled amplicon sequencing. While computational tools for tiled amplicon design exist, they require downstream manual optimization both computationally and experimentally, which is slow and costly. Here we present Olivar, a first step towards a fully automated, variant-aware design of tiled amplicons for pathogen genomes. Olivar converts each nucleotide of the target genome into a numeric risk score, capturing undesired sequence features that should be avoided. In a direct comparison with PrimalScheme, we show that Olivar has fewer mismatches overlapping with primers and predicted PCR byproducts. We also compare Olivar head-to-head with ARTIC v4.1, the most widely used primer set for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, and show Olivar yields similar read mapping rates (~90%) and better coverage to the manually designed ARTIC v4.1 amplicons. We also evaluate Olivar on real wastewater samples and found that Olivar has up to 3-fold higher mapping rates while retaining similar coverage. In summary, Olivar automates and accelerates the generation of tiled amplicons, even in situations of high mutation frequency and/or density. Olivar is available online as a web application at https://olivar.rice.edu and can be installed locally as a command line tool with Bioconda. Source code, installation guide, and usage are available at https://github.com/treangenlab/Olivar .
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Esther G Lou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Nicolae Sapoval
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Eddie Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Prashant Kalvapalle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Bryce Kille
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - R A Leo Elworth
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yunxi Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yilei Fu
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| | - Todd J Treangen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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6
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Wolken M, Wang M, Schedler J, Campos RH, Ensor K, Hopkins L, Treangen T, Stadler LB. PreK-12 school and citywide wastewater monitoring of the enteric viruses astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172683. [PMID: 38663617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater monitoring is an efficient and effective way to surveil for various pathogens in communities. This is especially beneficial in areas of high transmission, such as preK-12 schools, where infections may otherwise go unreported. In this work, we apply wastewater disease surveillance using school and community wastewater from across Houston, Texas to monitor three major enteric viruses: astrovirus, sapovirus genogroup GI, and group A rotavirus. We present the results of a 10-week study that included the analysis of 164 wastewater samples for astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in 10 preK-12 schools, 6 wastewater treatment plants, and 2 lift stations using newly designed RT-ddPCR assays. We show that the RT-ddPCR assays were able to detect astrovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus in school, lift station, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) wastewater, and that a positive detection of a virus in a school sample was paired with a positive detection of the same virus at a downstream lift station or wastewater treatment plant over 97 % of the time. Additionally, we show how wastewater detections of rotavirus in schools and WWTPs were significantly associated with citywide viral intestinal infections. School wastewater can play a role in the monitoring of enteric viruses and in the detection of outbreaks, potentially allowing public health officials to quickly implement mitigation strategies to prevent viral spread into surrounding communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Wolken
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Julia Schedler
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Roberto H Campos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Katherine Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, United States of America; Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Todd Treangen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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7
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Pasha ABT, Kotlarz N, Holcomb D, Reckling S, Kays J, Bailey E, Guidry V, Christensen A, Berkowitz S, Engel LS, de Los Reyes F, Harris A. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater from a shared septic system and sub-sewershed sites to expand COVID-19 disease surveillance. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:978-992. [PMID: 38935450 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.303] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has expanded as a tool for collecting COVID-19 surveillance data, but there is limited information on the feasibility of this form of surveillance within decentralized wastewater systems (e.g., septic systems). This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater samples from a septic system servicing a mobile home park (66 households) and from two pumping stations serving a similarly sized (71 households) and a larger (1,000 households) neighborhood within a nearby sewershed over 35 weeks in 2020. Also, raw wastewater from a hospital in the same sewershed was sampled. The mobile home park samples had the highest detection frequency (39/39 days) and mean concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (2.7 × 107 gene copies/person/day for the N1) among the four sampling sites. N1 gene and N2 gene copies were highly correlated across mobile home park samples (Pearson's r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). In the larger neighborhood, new COVID-19 cases were reported every week during the sampling period; however, we detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 12% of the corresponding wastewater samples. The results of this study suggest that sampling from decentralized wastewater infrastructure can be used for continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Tanvir Pasha
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NC State), 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Nadine Kotlarz
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David Holcomb
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stacie Reckling
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Judith Kays
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NC State), 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | | | - Virginia Guidry
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ariel Christensen
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Steven Berkowitz
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Francis de Los Reyes
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NC State), 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Angela Harris
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NC State), 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA E-mail:
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8
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Zheng X, Zhao K, Xue B, Deng Y, Xu X, Yan W, Rong C, Leung K, Wu JT, Leung GM, Peiris M, Poon LLM, Zhang T. Tracking diarrhea viruses and mpox virus using the wastewater surveillance network in Hong Kong. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121513. [PMID: 38555782 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The wastewater surveillance network successfully established for COVID-19 showed great potential to monitor other infectious viruses, such as norovirus, rotavirus and mpox virus. In this study, we established and validated detection methods for these viruses in wastewater. We developed a supernatant-based method to detect RNA viruses from wastewater samples and applied it to the monthly diarrhea viruses (norovirus genogroup I & II, and rotavirus) surveillance in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at a city-wide level for 16 months. Significant correlations were observed between the diarrhea viruses concentrations in wastewater and detection rates in faecal specimens by clinical surveillance. The highest norovirus concentration in wastewater was obtained in winter, consistent with the seasonal pattern of norovirus outbreak in Hong Kong. Additionally, we established a pellet-based method to monitor DNA viruses in wastewater and detected weak signals for mpox virus in wastewater from a WWTP serving approximately 16,700 people, when the first mpox patient in Hong Kong was admitted to the hospital within the catchment area. Genomic sequencing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of the results. Our findings emphasized the efficacy of the wastewater surveillance network in WWTPs as a cost-effective tool to track the transmission trend of diarrhea viruses and to provide sensitive detection of novel emerging viruses such as mpox virus in low-prevalence areas. The developed methods and surveillance results provide confidence for establishing robust wastewater surveillance programs to control infectious diseases in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiawan Zheng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keyue Zhao
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bingjie Xue
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weifu Yan
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao Rong
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathy Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Joseph T Wu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre For Immunology and Infection (C2i), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre For Immunology and Infection (C2i), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China; School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China; Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Hong Kong, China.
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9
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Perry WB, Chrispim MC, Barbosa MRF, de Souza Lauretto M, Razzolini MTP, Nardocci AC, Jones O, Jones DL, Weightman A, Sato MIZ, Montagner C, Durance I. Cross-continental comparative experiences of wastewater surveillance and a vision for the 21st century. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170842. [PMID: 38340868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the epidemiological value of monitoring wastewater into sharp focus. The challenges of implementing and optimising wastewater monitoring vary significantly from one region to another, often due to the array of different wastewater systems around the globe, as well as the availability of resources to undertake the required analyses (e.g. laboratory infrastructure and expertise). Here we reflect on the local and shared challenges of implementing a SARS-CoV-2 monitoring programme in two geographically and socio-economically distinct regions, São Paulo state (Brazil) and Wales (UK), focusing on design, laboratory methods and data analysis, and identifying potential guiding principles for wastewater surveillance fit for the 21st century. Our results highlight the historical nature of region-specific challenges to the implementation of wastewater surveillance, including previous experience of using wastewater surveillance, stakeholders involved, and nature of wastewater infrastructure. Building on those challenges, we then highlight what an ideal programme would look like if restrictions such as resource were not a constraint. Finally, we demonstrate the value of bringing multidisciplinary skills and international networks together for effective wastewater surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Cardoso Chrispim
- Environmental and Biosciences Department, School of Business, Innovation and Sustainability, Halmstad University, Kristian IV:s väg 3, 30118 Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Mikaela Renata Funada Barbosa
- Environmental Analysis Department, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo CEP 05459-900, Brazil; NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Souza Lauretto
- NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil; School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Rua Arlindo Bettio, 1000, São Paulo CEP 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Tereza Pepe Razzolini
- NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil; School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adelaide Cassia Nardocci
- NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil; School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Owen Jones
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK; Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6105, Australia
| | | | - Maria Inês Zanoli Sato
- Environmental Analysis Department, Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr., 345, São Paulo CEP 05459-900, Brazil; NARA - Center for Research in Environmental Risk Assessment, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Av. Dr Arnaldo, 715, 01246-904 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cassiana Montagner
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083970, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Durance
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
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10
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Chen C, Kaur G, Adiga A, Espinoza B, Venkatramanan S, Warren A, Lewis B, Crow J, Singh R, Lorentz A, Toney D, Marathe M. Wastewater-based Epidemiology for COVID-19 Surveillance: A Survey. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2403.15291v1. [PMID: 38562450 PMCID: PMC10984000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 has imposed tremendous pressure on public health systems and social economic ecosystems over the past years. To alleviate its social impact, it is important to proactively track the prevalence of COVID-19 within communities. The traditional way to estimate the disease prevalence is to estimate from reported clinical test data or surveys. However, the coverage of clinical tests is often limited and the tests can be labor-intensive, requires reliable and timely results, and consistent diagnostic and reporting criteria. Recent studies revealed that patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 often undergo fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 virus into wastewater, which makes wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 surveillance a promising approach to complement traditional clinical testing. In this paper, we survey the existing literature regarding WBE for COVID-19 surveillance and summarize the current advances in the area. Specifically, we have covered the key aspects of wastewater sampling, sample testing, and presented a comprehensive and organized summary of wastewater data analytical methods. Finally, we provide the open challenges on current wastewater-based COVID-19 surveillance studies, aiming to encourage new ideas to advance the development of effective wastewater-based surveillance systems for general infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Gursharn Kaur
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Aniruddha Adiga
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Baltazar Espinoza
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Srinivasan Venkatramanan
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Andrew Warren
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Bryan Lewis
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
| | - Justin Crow
- Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, 23219, United States
| | - Rekha Singh
- Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, 23219, United States
| | - Alexandra Lorentz
- Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Department of General Services, Richmond, 23219, United States
| | - Denise Toney
- Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Department of General Services, Richmond, 23219, United States
| | - Madhav Marathe
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904, United States
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11
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Parkins MD, Lee BE, Acosta N, Bautista M, Hubert CRJ, Hrudey SE, Frankowski K, Pang XL. Wastewater-based surveillance as a tool for public health action: SARS-CoV-2 and beyond. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0010322. [PMID: 38095438 PMCID: PMC10938902 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00103-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has undergone dramatic advancement in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The power and potential of this platform technology were rapidly realized when it became evident that not only did WBS-measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA correlate strongly with COVID-19 clinical disease within monitored populations but also, in fact, it functioned as a leading indicator. Teams from across the globe rapidly innovated novel approaches by which wastewater could be collected from diverse sewersheds ranging from wastewater treatment plants (enabling community-level surveillance) to more granular locations including individual neighborhoods and high-risk buildings such as long-term care facilities (LTCF). Efficient processes enabled SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction and concentration from the highly dilute wastewater matrix. Molecular and genomic tools to identify, quantify, and characterize SARS-CoV-2 and its various variants were adapted from clinical programs and applied to these mixed environmental systems. Novel data-sharing tools allowed this information to be mobilized and made immediately available to public health and government decision-makers and even the public, enabling evidence-informed decision-making based on local disease dynamics. WBS has since been recognized as a tool of transformative potential, providing near-real-time cost-effective, objective, comprehensive, and inclusive data on the changing prevalence of measured analytes across space and time in populations. However, as a consequence of rapid innovation from hundreds of teams simultaneously, tremendous heterogeneity currently exists in the SARS-CoV-2 WBS literature. This manuscript provides a state-of-the-art review of WBS as established with SARS-CoV-2 and details the current work underway expanding its scope to other infectious disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Parkins
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute of Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonita E. Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Acosta
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria Bautista
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Casey R. J. Hubert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steve E. Hrudey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Frankowski
- Advancing Canadian Water Assets, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiao-Li Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Provincial Health Laboratory, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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12
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Dehghan Banadaki M, Torabi S, Rockward A, Strike WD, Noble A, Keck JW, Berry SM. Simple SARS-CoV-2 concentration methods for wastewater surveillance in low resource settings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168782. [PMID: 38000737 PMCID: PMC10842712 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168782] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) measures pathogens in wastewater to monitor infectious disease prevalence in communities. Due to the high dilution of pathogens in sewage, a concentration method is often required to achieve reliable biomarker signals. However, most of the current concentration methods rely on expensive equipment and labor-intensive processes, which limits the application of WBE in low-resource settings. Here, we compared the performance of four inexpensive and simple concentration methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples: Solid Fraction, Porcine Gastric Mucin-conjugated Magnetic Beads, Calcium Flocculation-Citrate Dissolution (CFCD), and Nanotrap® Magnetic Beads (NMBs). The NMBs and CFCD methods yielded the highest concentration performance for SARS-CoV-2 (∼16-fold concentration and ∼ 41 % recovery) and require <45 min processing time. CFCD has a relatively low consumable cost (<$2 per four sample replicates). All methods can be performed with basic laboratory equipment and minimal electricity usage which enables further application of WBE in remote areas and low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soroosh Torabi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - Alexus Rockward
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - William D Strike
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - Ann Noble
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - James W Keck
- WWAMI School of Medicine, University of Alaska Anchorage, United States
| | - Scott M Berry
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States.
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13
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Zhu J, Lu H, Lin Q, Zhang T, Chen G, Zhou Y, Sui G. Fucoidan-based antibody-free magnetic nanoparticle for on-site detection of waterborne SARS-CoV-2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168619. [PMID: 37977397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The portable and sensitive point-of-care-test (POCT) method is in urgent need to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for ensuring public health and safety. However, detection of trace number of pathogens in real water sample from the environment still faces challenges, because complex environment disruptors can rapidly degrade targets. Herein, magnetic beads coated with fucoidan and polydopamine (Fuc-PDA-MBs) were introduced as the capture carrier for pretreatment of samples. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, can recognize the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein receptor-binding domain (S1 RBD) and was chosen for replacement of antibody in enrichment. Environmental water seeded with SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus was applied to test performance of Fuc-PDA-MBs method. Under optimal conditions, the use of Fuc-PDA-MBs showed average 76 % capture efficiency at SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus concentration ranging from 107.62 to 104.34 gene copies (gc)/L. Compared with Electronegative filtration (ENF), Fuc-PDA-MBs showed better virion sorption effectiveness. Fuc-PDA-MBs also validated by raw contaminated urban wastewater and showed high recovery results for SARS-CoV-2 variants. To rapidly detect virus in POCT, nucleic acid extraction-free Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) was used for simplifying experimental process. The Fuc-PDA-MBs-LAMP assay showed the quantitation limit of sample (LOQ) was 105.49 gc/L. The whole procedure could be completed within 90 min, including 30 min for virus pre-enrichment, 10 min nucleic acid release and 45 min LAMP analysis. Compared with regular antibody-based immunodetection, this integrated system provides broad-spectrum, economic way to detect SARS-CoV-2 mutants in complex environments and also adaptable for high throughput test, which might be used for on-site early warning of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in developing area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huijun Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qiuyuan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Shanghai Chengtou Wastewater Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Guodong Sui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China.
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14
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El Soufi G, Di Jorio L, Gerber Z, Cluzel N, Van Assche J, Delafoy D, Olaso R, Daviaud C, Loustau T, Schwartz C, Trebouet D, Hernalsteens O, Marechal V, Raffestin S, Rousset D, Van Lint C, Deleuze JF, Boni M, Rohr O, Villain-Gambier M, Wallet C. Highly efficient and sensitive membrane-based concentration process allows quantification, surveillance, and sequencing of viruses in large volumes of wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120959. [PMID: 38070350 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology is experiencing exponential development. Despite undeniable advantages compared to patient-centered approaches (cost, anonymity, survey of large populations without bias, detection of asymptomatic infected peoples…), major technical limitations persist. Among them is the low sensitivity of the current methods used for quantifying and sequencing viral genomes from wastewater. In situations of low viral circulation, during initial stages of viral emergences, or in areas experiencing heavy rains, the extremely low concentrations of viruses in wastewater may fall below the limit of detection of the current methods. The availability during crisis and the cost of the commercial kits, as well as the requirement of expensive materials such as high-speed centrifuge, can also present major blocks to the development of wastewater-based epidemiological survey, specifically in low-income countries. Thereby, highly sensitive, low cost and standardized methods are still needed, to increase the predictability of the viral emergences, to survey low-circulating viruses and to make the results from different labs comparable. Here, we outline and characterize new protocols for concentrating and quantifying SARS-CoV-2 from large volumes (500 mL-1 L) of untreated wastewater. In addition, we report that the methods are applicable for monitoring and sequencing. Our nucleic acid extraction technique (the routine C: 5 mL method) does not require sophisticated equipment such as automatons and is not reliant on commercial kits, making it readily available to a broader range of laboratories for routine epidemiological survey. Furthermore, we demonstrate the efficiency, the repeatability, and the high sensitivity of a new membrane-based concentration method (MBC: 500 mL method) for enveloped (SARS-CoV-2) and non-enveloped (F-specific RNA phages of genogroup II / FRNAPH GGII) viruses. We show that the MBC method allows the quantification and the monitoring of viruses in wastewater with a significantly improved sensitivity compared to the routine C method. In contexts of low viral circulation, we report quantifications of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater at concentrations as low as 40 genome copies per liter. In highly diluted samples collected in wastewater treatment plants of French Guiana, we confirmed the accuracy of the MBC method compared to the estimations done with the routine C method. Finally, we demonstrate that both the routine C method processing 5 mL and the MBC method processing 500 mL of untreated wastewater are both compatible with SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. We show that the quality of the sequence is correlated with the concentration of the extracted viral genome. Of note, the quality of the sequences obtained with some MBC processed wastewater was improved by dilutions or enzyme substitutions suggesting the presence of specific enzyme inhibitors in some wastewater. To the best of our knowledge, our MBC method is one of the first efficient, sensitive, and repeatable method characterized for SARS-CoV-2 quantification and sequencing from large volumes of wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- G El Soufi
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France; CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - L Di Jorio
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France
| | - Z Gerber
- CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry 91057, France
| | - N Cluzel
- Maison des Modélisations Ingénieries et Technologies (SUMMIT), Sorbonne Université, Paris 75005, France
| | - J Van Assche
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France
| | - D Delafoy
- CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry 91057, France
| | - R Olaso
- CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry 91057, France
| | - C Daviaud
- CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry 91057, France
| | - T Loustau
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France
| | - C Schwartz
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France
| | - D Trebouet
- CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - O Hernalsteens
- Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Service of Molecular Virology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies 6041, Belgium
| | - V Marechal
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75012, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France
| | - S Raffestin
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, French Guiana, Cayenne 97300, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France
| | - D Rousset
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, French Guiana, Cayenne 97300, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France
| | - C Van Lint
- Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Service of Molecular Virology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies 6041, Belgium
| | - J F Deleuze
- CEA, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry 91057, France
| | - M Boni
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France
| | - O Rohr
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France.
| | - M Villain-Gambier
- CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg F-67000, France
| | - C Wallet
- DHPI UR 7292, IUT Louis Pasteur, Université de Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, France; OBEPINE Consortium, Paris, France
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15
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Gogoi G, Singh SD, Kalyan E, Koch D, Gogoi P, Kshattry S, Mahanta HJ, Imran M, Pandey R, Bharali P. An interpretative review of the wastewater-based surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2: where do we stand on its presence and concern? Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338100. [PMID: 38318336 PMCID: PMC10839012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been used for monitoring infectious diseases like polio, hepatitis, etc. since the 1940s. It is also being used for tracking the SARS-CoV-2 at the population level. This article aims to compile and assess the information for the qualitative and quantitative detection of the SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Based on the globally published studies, we highlight the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 presence/detection in the wastewater and concurrently emphasize the development of early surveillance techniques. SARS-CoV-2 RNA sheds in the human feces, saliva, sputum and mucus that ultimately reaches to the wastewater and brings viral RNA into it. For the detection of the virus in the wastewater, different detection techniques have been optimized and are in use. These are based on serological, biosensor, targeted PCR, and next generation sequencing for whole genome sequencing or targeted amplicon sequencing. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater could be used as a potential tool for early detection and devising the strategies for eradication of the virus before it is spread in the community. Additionally, with the right and timely understanding of viral behavior in the environment, an accurate and instructive model that leverages WBE-derived data may be created. This might help with the creation of technological tools and doable plans of action to lessen the negative effects of current viral epidemics or future potential outbreaks on public health and the economy. Further work toward whether presence of viral load correlates with its ability to induce infection, still needs evidence. The current increasing incidences of JN.1 variant is a case in point for continued early detection and surveillance, including wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Gogoi
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sarangthem Dinamani Singh
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Emon Kalyan
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Devpratim Koch
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Pronami Gogoi
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Suman Kshattry
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Hridoy Jyoti Mahanta
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Advanced Computation and Data Sciences Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Md Imran
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn (INGEN-HOPE) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Pandey
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn (INGEN-HOPE) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Bharali
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Biological Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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16
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Akter J, Smith WJ, Liu Y, Kim I, Simpson SL, Thai P, Korajkic A, Ahmed W. Comparison of adsorption-extraction (AE) workflows for improved measurements of viral and bacterial nucleic acid in untreated wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167966. [PMID: 38476760 PMCID: PMC10927021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The lack of standardized methods and large differences in virus concentration and extraction workflows have hampered Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) wastewater surveillance and data reporting practices. Numerous studies have shown that adsorption-extraction (AE) method holds promise, yet several uncertainties remain regarding the optimal AE workflow. Several procedural components may influence the recovered concentrations of target nucleic acid, including membrane types, homogenization instruments, speed and duration, and lysis buffer. In this study, 42 different AE workflows that varied these components were compared to determine the optimal workflow by quantifying endogenous SARS-CoV-2, human adenovirus 40/41 (HAdV 40/41), and a bacterial marker gene of fecal contamination (Bacteroides HF183). Our findings suggest that the workflow chosen had a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, whereas it had minimal impact on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. When comparing individual components in a workflow, such as membrane type (MF-Millipore™ 0.45 μm MCE vs. Isopore™ 0.40 μm), we found that they had no impact on SARS-CoV-2, HAdV 40/41, and HF183 concentrations. This suggests that at least some consumables and equipment are interchangeable. Buffer PM1 + TRIzol-based workflows yielded higher concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 than other workflows. HF183 concentrations were higher in workflows without chloroform. Similarly, higher homogenization speeds (5000-10,000 rpm) led to increased concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 and HF183 but had no effect on HAdV 40/41. Our findings indicate that minor enhancements to the AE workflow can improve the recovery of viruses and bacteria from the wastewater, leading to improved outcomes from wastewater surveillance efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesmin Akter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wendy J.M. Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yawen Liu
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ilho Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Gyeonggi-do 10223, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Phong Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Asja Korajkic
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26W Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
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17
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Barnes KG, Levy JI, Gauld J, Rigby J, Kanjerwa O, Uzzell CB, Chilupsya C, Anscombe C, Tomkins-Tinch C, Mbeti O, Cairns E, Thole H, McSweeney S, Chibwana MG, Ashton PM, Jere KC, Meschke JS, Diggle P, Cornick J, Chilima B, Jambo K, Andersen KG, Kawalazira G, Paterson S, Nyirenda TS, Feasey N. Utilizing river and wastewater as a SARS-CoV-2 surveillance tool in settings with limited formal sewage systems. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7883. [PMID: 38036496 PMCID: PMC10689440 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted health systems globally and robust surveillance has been critical for pandemic control, however not all countries can currently sustain community pathogen surveillance programs. Wastewater surveillance has proven valuable in high-income settings, but less is known about the utility of water surveillance of pathogens in low-income countries. Here we show how wastewater surveillance of SAR-CoV-2 can be used to identify temporal changes and help determine circulating variants quickly. In Malawi, a country with limited community-based COVID-19 testing capacity, we explore the utility of rivers and wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. From May 2020-May 2022, we collect water from up to 112 river or defunct wastewater treatment plant sites, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 8.3% of samples. Peak SARS-CoV-2 detection in water samples predate peaks in clinical cases. Sequencing of water samples identified the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, with Delta and Omicron detected well in advance of detection in patients. Our work highlights how wastewater can be used to detect emerging waves, identify variants of concern, and provide an early warning system in settings with no formal sewage systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla G Barnes
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Joshua I Levy
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jillian Gauld
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Rigby
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oscar Kanjerwa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Christopher B Uzzell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chisomo Chilupsya
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Catherine Anscombe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Omar Mbeti
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Herbert Thole
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Shannon McSweeney
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marah G Chibwana
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Philip M Ashton
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre District Health Office, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Khuzwayo C Jere
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre District Health Office, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John Scott Meschke
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Diggle
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Cornick
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre District Health Office, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Benjamin Chilima
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Kondwani Jambo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gift Kawalazira
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Tonney S Nyirenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nicholas Feasey
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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18
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Hopkins L, Ensor KB, Stadler L, Johnson CD, Schneider R, Domakonda K, McCarthy JJ, Septimus EJ, Persse D, Williams SL. Public Health Interventions Guided by Houston's Wastewater Surveillance Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:856-861. [PMID: 37503606 PMCID: PMC10576486 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231185625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance has emerged as a powerful tool used by public health authorities to track SARS-CoV-2 infections in communities. In May 2020, the Houston Health Department began working with a coalition of municipal and academic partners to develop a wastewater monitoring and reporting system for the city of Houston, Texas. Data collected from the system are integrated with other COVID-19 surveillance data and communicated through different channels to local authorities and the general public. This information is used to shape policies and inform actions to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19 at municipal, institutional, and individual levels. Based on the success of this monitoring and reporting system to drive public health protection efforts, the wastewater surveillance program is likely to become a standard part of the public health toolkit for responding to infectious diseases and, potentially, other disease-causing outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Hopkins
- Community and Children’s Environmental Health, Houston Health Department, City of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Lauren Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Catherine D. Johnson
- Houston Health Foundation, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Kaavya Domakonda
- Wastewater Surveillance, Houston Health Department, City of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - David Persse
- City of Houston Emergency Medical Services, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Tisza M, Javornik Cregeen S, Avadhanula V, Zhang P, Ayvaz T, Feliz K, Hoffman KL, Clark JR, Terwilliger A, Ross MC, Cormier J, Moreno H, Wang L, Payne K, Henke D, Troisi C, Wu F, Rios J, Deegan J, Hansen B, Balliew J, Gitter A, Zhang K, Li R, Bauer CX, Mena KD, Piedra PA, Petrosino JF, Boerwinkle E, Maresso AW. Wastewater sequencing reveals community and variant dynamics of the collective human virome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6878. [PMID: 37898601 PMCID: PMC10613200 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater is a discarded human by-product, but its analysis may help us understand the health of populations. Epidemiologists first analyzed wastewater to track outbreaks of poliovirus decades ago, but so-called wastewater-based epidemiology was reinvigorated to monitor SARS-CoV-2 levels while bypassing the difficulties and pit falls of individual testing. Current approaches overlook the activity of most human viruses and preclude a deeper understanding of human virome community dynamics. Here, we conduct a comprehensive sequencing-based analysis of 363 longitudinal wastewater samples from ten distinct sites in two major cities. Critical to detection is the use of a viral probe capture set targeting thousands of viral species or variants. Over 450 distinct pathogenic viruses from 28 viral families are observed, most of which have never been detected in such samples. Sequencing reads of established pathogens and emerging viruses correlate to clinical data sets of SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and monkeypox viruses, outlining the public health utility of this approach. Viral communities are tightly organized by space and time. Finally, the most abundant human viruses yield sequence variant information consistent with regional spread and evolution. We reveal the viral landscape of human wastewater and its potential to improve our understanding of outbreaks, transmission, and its effects on overall population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tisza
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sara Javornik Cregeen
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vasanthi Avadhanula
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ping Zhang
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tulin Ayvaz
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Karen Feliz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristi L Hoffman
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Justin R Clark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Austen Terwilliger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Matthew C Ross
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Juwan Cormier
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hannah Moreno
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Li Wang
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katelyn Payne
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Henke
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Catherine Troisi
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fuqing Wu
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Janelle Rios
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Deegan
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Blake Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, 77030, USA
| | | | - Anna Gitter
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Kehe Zhang
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Spatial-temporal Modeling for Applications in Population Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Runze Li
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Spatial-temporal Modeling for Applications in Population Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cici X Bauer
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Spatial-temporal Modeling for Applications in Population Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristina D Mena
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Pedro A Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joseph F Petrosino
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Texas Epidemiologic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, 77030, USA.
| | - Anthony W Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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20
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Zheng X, Zhao K, Xu X, Deng Y, Leung K, Wu JT, Leung GM, Peiris M, Poon LLM, Zhang T. Development and application of influenza virus wastewater surveillance in Hong Kong. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120594. [PMID: 37741039 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance is considered as a powerful tool in providing cost-effective, population-wide and near real-time surveillance results for controlling infectious diseases (i.e., SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus), complementary to clinical surveillance. To facilitate the utility of this emerging tool, we developed two preanalytical protocols (supernatant-based and pellet-based) for influenza A/B virus (IAV/IBV) wastewater surveillance and applied them to the established wastewater surveillance network for large-scale longitudinal monitoring in Hong Kong. We tested 724 wastewater samples from 24 stationary sites for weekly surveillance for 8 months and 458 wastewater samples from 11 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for more frequent (three times per week) city-wide surveillance for 4 months when influenza season commenced. We found the city-wide IAV virus concentration in wastewater were associated with the detection rate and influenza-like illness plus rates (ILI+) of clinical respiratory specimens and increased significantly after the cancelling of mask mandate that was in place for COVID-19. IBV was at low detection rates and low virus concentration levels, consistent with the low detection rates observed by clinical surveillance. In addition, we conducted virus subtype identification in selected wastewater samples, and observed the H1pdm was the major circulation subtype. Moreover, the obtained virus signals were confirmed by Sanger sequencing of PCR products, suggesting the feasibility and applicability of established methods for rapid detection of influenza virus types and subtypes in wastewater surveillance. This study demonstrates the applicability of IAV/IBV wastewater surveillance to current wastewater infrastructures and it could be used as a rapid and cost-effective surveillance strategy to track virus transmission patterns in the community for timely public health actions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiawan Zheng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keyue Zhao
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kathy Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Joseph T Wu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China.
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21
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Breadner PR, Dhiyebi HA, Fattahi A, Srikanthan N, Hayat S, Aucoin MG, Boegel SJ, Bragg LM, Craig PM, Xie Y, Giesy JP, Servos MR. A comparative analysis of the partitioning behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in liquid and solid fractions of wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165095. [PMID: 37355124 PMCID: PMC10287177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
As fragments of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be quantified and measured temporally in wastewater, surveillance of concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has become a vital resource for tracking the spread of COVID-19 in and among communities. However, the absence of standardized methods has affected the interpretation of data for public health efforts. In particular, analyzing either the liquid or solid fraction has implications for the interpretation of how viral RNA is quantified. Characterizing how SARS-CoV-2 or its RNA fragments partition in wastewater is a central part of understanding fate and behaviour in wastewater. In this study, partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated by use of centrifugation with varied durations of spin and centrifugal force, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation followed by centrifugation, and ultrafiltration of wastewater. Partitioning of the endogenous pepper mild mottled virus (PMMoV), used to normalize the SARS-CoV-2 signal for fecal load in trend analysis, was also examined. Additionally, two surrogates for coronavirus, human coronavirus 229E and murine hepatitis virus, were analyzed as process controls. Even though SARS-CoV-2 has an affinity for solids, the total RNA copies of SARS-CoV-2 per wastewater sample, after centrifugation (12,000 g, 1.5 h, no brake), were partitioned evenly between the liquid and solid fractions. Centrifugation at greater speeds for longer durations resulted in a shift in partitioning for all viruses toward the solid fraction except for PMMoV, which remained mostly in the liquid fraction. The surrogates more closely reflected the partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 under high centrifugation speed and duration while PMMoV did not. Interestingly, ultrafiltration devices were inconsistent in estimating RNA copies in wastewater, which can influence the interpretation of partitioning. Developing a better understanding of the fate of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and creating a foundation of best practices is the key to supporting the current pandemic response and preparing for future potential infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Breadner
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hadi A Dhiyebi
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Azar Fattahi
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Nivetha Srikanthan
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Samina Hayat
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marc G Aucoin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Scott J Boegel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Leslie M Bragg
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Paul M Craig
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Mark R Servos
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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22
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Di DYW, Li B, Jeon MK, Yan T. Comparing solid-based concentration methods for rapid and efficient recovery of SARS-CoV-2 for wastewater surveillance. J Virol Methods 2023; 320:114790. [PMID: 37558056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
As wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 attracts interest globally, there is a need to evaluate and identify rapid and efficient methods for concentrating enveloped viruses in wastewater. When comparing five precipitation/flocculation-based concentration methods (including aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation, AHAP; zinc acetate precipitation, ZAP; skimmed milk flocculation, SMF; FeCl3 precipitation, FCP; and direct centrifugation, DC), AHAP was found to be the most efficient method in terms of seeded BCoV recovery (50.2 %). Based on the BCoV recovery efficiency and turnaround time, the AHAP and DC methods were selected and tested on five additional wastewater samples containing both seeded BCoV and indigenous wastewater SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The BCoV recovery (DC: average=30.1 %, sx =14.7 %; AHAP: average=33.0 %, sx =14.2 %) and SARS-CoV-2 based on the N2 gene assay (DC: average=3.6 ×103 gene copies or GC/mL, sx =1.9 × 103 GC/mL; AHAP: average=3.0 ×103 GC/mL, sx =2.0 ×103 GC/mL) of both methods were not significantly different in solid fraction (p = 0.89). This study showed significant higher BCoV recovery and SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in wastewater solid fraction (p = 0.006) than liquid fraction. Our result suggests that the solid fraction of wastewater samples is more suitable for recovering enveloped viruses from wastewater, and the DC and AHAP methods equally provide suitably rapid, cost-effective, and significantly higher recovery of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in wastewater samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Yoong Wen Di
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Min Ki Jeon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Tao Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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23
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Cutrupi F, Rossi M, Cadonna M, Poznanski E, Manara S, Postinghel M, Palumbi G, Bellisomi M, Nicosia E, Allaria G, Dondero L, Veneri C, Mancini P, Ferraro GB, Rosa G, Suffredini E, Foladori P, Grasselli E. Evaluation of concentration procedures, sample pre-treatment, and storage condition for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:106660-106670. [PMID: 37733200 PMCID: PMC10579110 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29696-y] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Crucial information on the pandemic's spread has been gathered by monitoring the trend of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. This surveillance has highlighted that the initial concentration is a critical step of the analytical procedure due to the low viral titer that may be present in this matrix. This paper presents the results of the evaluation of two different wastewater concentration protocols to determine the most efficient and cost-effective. The two methods tested were the following: (a) a biphasic separation system with PEG-dextran and (b) a PEG/NaCl precipitation protocol. Other aspects of the detection method were also investigated including the influence of storage temperature on virus recovery and the heat treatment of pasteurization, which aims to make samples safer for operators and the environment. The PEG/NaCl precipitation method was found to perform better than the biphasic separation system, allowing for more sensitive identification of the presence of the virus and the detection of a higher viral titer than that identified with the biphasic separation in all results. Storage of the samples at 4.3±0.2°C for up to 3 weeks did not adversely affect the virus titer and the pasteurization pre-treatment increases operator safety and maintains the identification of the viral concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cutrupi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, via Mesiano 77, 38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Michele Rossi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20134, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Cadonna
- ADEP, Agenzia per la Depurazione (Wastewater Treatment Agency), Autonomous Province of Trento, via Gilli 3, 38121, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Serena Manara
- Department of Cellular Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, Via Sommarive 9, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Postinghel
- ADEP, Agenzia per la Depurazione (Wastewater Treatment Agency), Autonomous Province of Trento, via Gilli 3, 38121, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Palumbi
- ARPAL Virology and enviromental biotecnological laboratory, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Marta Bellisomi
- ARPAL Virology and enviromental biotecnological laboratory, Genova, Liguria, Italy
| | - Elena Nicosia
- ARPAL Virology and enviromental biotecnological laboratory, Genova, Liguria, Italy
- Department of Health and Social Services, Liguria Region Administration, Piazza della Vittoria 119, 16121, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Allaria
- Department of Earth Sciences of the Environment and Life, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dondero
- Department of Earth Sciences of the Environment and Life, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Foladori
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, via Mesiano 77, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Grasselli
- Department of Earth Sciences of the Environment and Life, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy
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24
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Wang MX, Lou EG, Sapoval N, Kim E, Kalvapalle P, Kille B, Elworth RAL, Liu Y, Fu Y, Stadler LB, Treangen TJ. Olivar: automated variant aware primer design for multiplex tiled amplicon sequencing of pathogens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.11.528155. [PMID: 36824759 PMCID: PMC9948974 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.11.528155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Tiled amplicon sequencing has served as an essential tool for tracking the spread and evolution of pathogens. Over 2 million complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes are now publicly available, most sequenced and assembled via tiled amplicon sequencing. While computational tools for tiled amplicon design exist, they require downstream manual optimization both computationally and experimentally, which is slow and costly. Here we present Olivar, a first step towards a fully automated, variant-aware design of tiled amplicons for pathogen genomes. Olivar converts each nucleotide of the target genome into a numeric risk score, capturing undesired sequence features that should be avoided. In a direct comparison with PrimalScheme, we show that Olivar has fewer SNPs overlapping with primers and predicted PCR byproducts. We also compared Olivar head-to-head with ARTIC v4.1, the most widely used primer set for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, and show Olivar yields similar read mapping rates (~90%) and better coverage to the manually designed ARTIC v4.1 amplicons. We also evaluated Olivar on real wastewater samples and found that Olivar had up to 3-fold higher mapping rates while retaining similar coverage. In summary, Olivar automates and accelerates the generation of tiled amplicons, even in situations of high mutation frequency and/or density. Olivar is available as a web application at https://olivar.rice.edu. Olivar can also be installed locally as a command line tool with Bioconda. Source code, installation guide and usage are available at https://github.com/treangenlab/Olivar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - Esther G. Lou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Nicolae Sapoval
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Eddie Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Prashant Kalvapalle
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Bryce Kille
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - R. A. Leo Elworth
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Yunxi Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Yilei Fu
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Lauren B. Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
| | - Todd J. Treangen
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, 77005, USA
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25
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Rusková M, Bučková M, Puškárová A, Cíchová M, Janská V, Achs A, Šubr Z, Kuchta T, Pangallo D. Comparison of ordinary reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) with a newly developed one-step single-tube nested real-time RT-PCR (OSN-qRT-PCR) for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95579-95589. [PMID: 37553492 PMCID: PMC10482794 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29123-2] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater monitoring has proven to be an important approach to detecting and controlling the development of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Various tests based on reverse transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) have been developed and used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. In this study, we attempted to increase the sensitivity of qRT-PCR by developing a one-step single-tube nested qRT-PCR assay (OSN-qRT-PCR). Two variants were developed, oriented to nucleocapsid phosphoprotein gene (N) and to spike protein gene (S), respectively. The performance of conventional qRT-PCR assays oriented to these genes with two novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays were firstly optimized using wastewater artificially contaminated with two encapsidated RNA mimic systems harboring a portion either N or S gene (ENRM and ESRM, respectively). The assays were coupled to a polyethylene glycol-based RNA precipitation/extraction method and applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples from four cities in Slovakia. Both novel OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated higher detection rates than the ordinary qRT-PCR counterparts. The virus levels in the analyzed wastewater samples had a high or very high relation with the numbers of clinical cases in the monitored regions. In fact, correlation with a 3-, 4-, or 5-day temporal offset was revealed. The OSN-qRT-PCR assays demonstrated robustness, mainly in samples with low viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Rusková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Bučková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Puškárová
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marianna Cíchová
- Water Research Institute, Nábrežie Arm. Gen. L. Svobodu 5, 812 49, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Janská
- Water Research Institute, Nábrežie Arm. Gen. L. Svobodu 5, 812 49, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Adam Achs
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zdeno Šubr
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Kuchta
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Food Research Institute, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Priemyselná 4, 824 75, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Domenico Pangallo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Caravella, s.r.o., Tupolevova 2, 851 01, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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26
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Kumblathan T, Liu Y, Qiu Y, Pang L, Hrudey SE, Le XC, Li XF. An efficient method to enhance recovery and detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 130:139-148. [PMID: 37032030 PMCID: PMC9554329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance (WS) of SARS-CoV-2 currently requires multiple steps and suffers low recoveries and poor sensitivity. Here, we report an improved analytical method with high sensitivity and recovery to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. To improve the recovery, we concentrated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and RNA from both the solid and aqueous phases of wastewater using an electronegative membrane (EM). The captured viral particles and RNA on the EM were incubated in our newly developed viral inactivation and RNA preservation (VIP) buffer. Subsequently, the RNA was concentrated on magnetic beads and inhibitors removed by washing. Without eluting, the RNA on the magnetic beads was directly detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a noninfectious viral coat) spiked to wastewater samples showed an improved recovery of 80%. Analysis of 120 wastewater samples collected twice weekly between May 2021 and February 2022 from two wastewater treatment plants showed 100% positive detection, which agreed with the results independently obtained by a provincial public health laboratory. The concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in these wastewater samples ranged from 2.4×102 to 2.9×106 copies per 100 mL of wastewater. Our method's capability of detecting trace and diverse concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in complex wastewater samples is attributed to the enhanced recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and efficient removal of PCR inhibitors. The improved method for the recovery and detection of viral RNA in wastewater is important for wastewater surveillance, complementing clinical diagnostic tests for public health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Kumblathan
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yanming Liu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Qiu
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Lilly Pang
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Canada; Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Steve E Hrudey
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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27
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Ciannella S, González-Fernández C, Gomez-Pastora J. Recent progress on wastewater-based epidemiology for COVID-19 surveillance: A systematic review of analytical procedures and epidemiological modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162953. [PMID: 36948304 PMCID: PMC10028212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whose causative agent is the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This virus is predominantly transmitted via respiratory droplets and shed via sputum, saliva, urine, and stool. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been able to monitor the circulation of viral pathogens in the population. This tool demands both in-lab and computational work to be meaningful for, among other purposes, the prediction of outbreaks. In this context, we present a systematic review that organizes and discusses laboratory procedures for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification from a wastewater matrix, along with modeling techniques applied to the development of WBE for COVID-19 surveillance. The goal of this review is to present the current panorama of WBE operational aspects as well as to identify current challenges related to it. Our review was conducted in a reproducible manner by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. We identified a lack of standardization in wastewater analytical procedures. Regardless, the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) approach was the most reported technique employed to detect and quantify viral RNA in wastewater samples. As a more convenient sample matrix, we suggest the solid portion of wastewater to be considered in future investigations due to its higher viral load compared to the liquid fraction. Regarding the epidemiological modeling, the data-driven approach was consistently used for the prediction of variables associated with outbreaks. Future efforts should also be directed toward the development of rapid, more economical, portable, and accurate detection devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciannella
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, TX, USA.
| | - Cristina González-Fernández
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409, TX, USA; Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain.
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28
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Reyes-Calderón A, Mindreau-Ganoza E, Pardo-Figueroa B, Garcia-Luquillas KR, Yufra SP, Romero PE, Antonini C, Renom JM, Mota CR, Santa-Maria MC. Evaluation of low-cost SARS-CoV-2 RNA purification methods for viral quantification by RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing analysis: Implications for wider wastewater-based epidemiology adoption. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16130. [PMID: 37228686 PMCID: PMC10188194 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Based Epidemiology (WBE) consists of quantifying biomarkers in sewerage systems to derive real-time information on the health and/or lifestyle of the contributing population. WBE usefulness was vastly demonstrated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many methods for SARS-CoV-2 RNA determination in wastewater were devised, which vary in cost, infrastructure requirements and sensitivity. For most developing countries, implementing WBE for viral outbreaks, such as that of SARS-CoV-2, proved challenging due to budget, reagent availability and infrastructure constraints. In this study, we assessed low-cost methods for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification by RT-qPCR, and performed variant identification by NGS in wastewater samples. Results showed that the effect of adjusting pH to 4 and/or adding MgCl2 (25 mM) was negligible when using the adsorption-elution method, as well as basal physicochemical parameters in the sample. In addition, results supported the standardized use of linear rather than plasmid DNA for a more accurate viral RT-qPCR estimation. The modified TRIzol-based purification method in this study yielded comparable RT-qPCR estimation to a column-based approach, but provided better NGS results, suggesting that column-based purification for viral analysis should be revised. Overall, this work provides evaluation of a robust, sensitive and cost-effective method for SARS-CoV-2 RNA analysis that could be implemented for other viruses, for a wider WEB adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Reyes-Calderón
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología del Agua - CITA, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
| | - Elías Mindreau-Ganoza
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Germán Amézaga s/n, Lima, 15081, Peru
| | - Braulio Pardo-Figueroa
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología del Agua - CITA, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
| | - Katherine R Garcia-Luquillas
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología del Agua - CITA, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
| | - Sonia P Yufra
- Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica e Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Av. Independencia s/n, Arequipa, 04001, Peru
| | - Pedro E Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Germán Amézaga s/n, Lima, 15081, Peru
| | - Claudia Antonini
- Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
| | - Jose-Miguel Renom
- Departamento de Ciencias, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
| | - Cesar R Mota
- Departamento de Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antonio Carlos, Belo Horizonte, 6.627, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Monica C Santa-Maria
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología del Agua - CITA, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC, Jr. Medrano Silva 165, Lima, 15063, Peru
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29
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Santarpia JL, Klug E, Ravnholdt A, Kinahan SM. Environmental sampling for disease surveillance: Recent advances and recommendations for best practice. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2023; 73:434-461. [PMID: 37224401 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2197825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The study of infectious diseases includes both the progression of the disease in its host and how it transmits between hosts. Understanding disease transmission is important for recommending effective interventions, protecting healthcare workers, and informing an effective public health response. Sampling the environment for infectious diseases is critical to public health since it can provide an understanding of the mechanisms of transmission, characterization of contamination in hospitals and other public areas, and the spread of a disease within a community. Measurements of biological aerosols, particularly those that may cause disease, have been an ongoing topic of research for decades, and so a wide variety of technological solutions exist. This wide field of possibilities can create confusion, particularly when different approaches yield different answers. Therefore, guidelines for best practice in this area are important to allow more effective use of this data in public health decisions. This review examines air, surface and water/wastewater sampling methods, with a focus on aerosol sampling, and a goal of recommending approaches to designing and implementing sampling systems that may incorporate multiple strategies. This is accomplished by developing a framework for designing and evaluating a sampling strategy, reviewing current practices and emerging technologies for sampling and analysis, and recommending guidelines for best practice in the area of aerosol sampling for infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Santarpia
- The Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Elizabeth Klug
- The Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ashley Ravnholdt
- The Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sean M Kinahan
- The Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, Omaha, NE, USA
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30
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Tierney BT, Foox J, Ryon KA, Butler D, Damle N, Young BG, Mozsary C, Babler KM, Yin X, Carattini Y, Andrews D, Solle NS, Kumar N, Shukla B, Vidovic D, Currall B, Williams SL, Schürer SC, Stevenson M, Amirali A, Beaver CC, Kobetz E, Boone MM, Reding B, Laine J, Comerford S, Lamar WE, Tallon JJ, Hirschberg JW, Proszynski J, Sharkey ME, Church GM, Grills GS, Solo-Gabriele HM, Mason CE. Geospatially-resolved public-health surveillance via wastewater sequencing. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.31.23290781. [PMID: 37398062 PMCID: PMC10312847 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.23290781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater, which contains everything from pathogens to pollutants, is a geospatially-and temporally-linked microbial fingerprint of a given population. As a result, it can be leveraged for monitoring multiple dimensions of public health across locales and time. Here, we integrate targeted and bulk RNA sequencing (n=1,419 samples) to track the viral, bacterial, and functional content over geospatially distinct areas within Miami Dade County from 2020-2022. First, we used targeted amplicon sequencing (n=966) to track diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants across space and time, and we found a tight correspondence with clinical caseloads from University students (N = 1,503) and Miami-Dade County hospital patients (N = 3,939 patients), as well as an 8-day earlier detection of the Delta variant in wastewater vs. in patients. Additionally, in 453 metatranscriptomic samples, we demonstrate that different wastewater sampling locations have clinically and public-health-relevant microbiota that vary as a function of the size of the human population they represent. Through assembly, alignment-based, and phylogenetic approaches, we also detect multiple clinically important viruses (e.g., norovirus ) and describe geospatial and temporal variation in microbial functional genes that indicate the presence of pollutants. Moreover, we found distinct profiles of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence factors across campus buildings, dorms, and hospitals, with hospital wastewater containing a significant increase in AMR abundance. Overall, this effort lays the groundwork for systematic characterization of wastewater to improve public health decision making and a broad platform to detect emerging pathogens.
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31
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Sapoval N, Liu Y, Lou EG, Hopkins L, Ensor KB, Schneider R, Stadler LB, Treangen TJ. Enabling accurate and early detection of recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in wastewater. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2834. [PMID: 37198181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As clinical testing declines, wastewater monitoring can provide crucial surveillance on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concerns (VoCs) in communities. In this paper we present QuaID, a novel bioinformatics tool for VoC detection based on quasi-unique mutations. The benefits of QuaID are three-fold: (i) provides up to 3-week earlier VoC detection, (ii) accurate VoC detection (>95% precision on simulated benchmarks), and (iii) leverages all mutational signatures (including insertions & deletions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolae Sapoval
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yunxi Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Esther G Lou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Katherine B Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Rebecca Schneider
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| | - Todd J Treangen
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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32
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Ahmed W, Smith WJM, Sirikanchana K, Kitajima M, Bivins A, Simpson SL. Influence of membrane pore-size on the recovery of endogenous viruses from wastewater using an Adsorption-Extraction method. J Virol Methods 2023; 317:114732. [PMID: 37080396 PMCID: PMC10111872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the significance of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in monitoring and tracking the spread of infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. The WBE approach relies on detecting genetic material from viruses in wastewater, which could provide an early warning of outbreaks in communities. In this study, we evaluated the recovery of four types of endogenous viruses, including non-enveloped DNA (crAssphage and human adenovirus 40/41), non-enveloped RNA (enterovirus), and enveloped RNA (SARS-CoV-2) viruses, from wastewater samples using the adsorption-extraction (AE) method with electronegative membranes of different pore sizes (0.22, 0.45, and 0.8 μm). Our findings showed that the membrane with a pore size of 0.80 μm performed similarly to the membrane with a pore size of 0.45 μm for virus capture (repeated measurement one-way ANOVA; p >0.05), indicating that larger pore size membranes could process larger sample volumes while maintaining similar virus capture efficiency. We determined the recovery efficiencies of indigenous crAssphage and pepper mild mottle virus, which showed recovery efficiencies ranging from 50% to 94% and from 20% to 62%, respectively. Our results suggest that the AE method is a cost-effective and efficient approach for virus recovery in wastewater, and the use of larger pore size membranes may be beneficial for processing larger sample volumes, particularly for environmental waters containing low concentrations of viruses. This study provides valuable information for optimizing the AE method for virus recovery from wastewater, which is essential for monitoring and tracking infectious diseases in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Wendy J M Smith
- CSIRO Environment, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
- Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kampangpetch 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Masaaki Kitajima
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, North 13 West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060 -8628, Japan
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3255 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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33
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Segelhurst E, Bard JE, Pillsbury AN, Alam MM, Lamb NA, Zhu C, Pohlman A, Boccolucci A, Emerson J, Marzullo BJ, Yergeau DA, Nowak NJ, Bradley IM, Surtees JA, Ye Y. Robust Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Whole-Genome Sequencing from Wastewater with a Nonselective Virus Concentration Method. ACS ES&T WATER 2023; 3:954-962. [PMID: 37406038 PMCID: PMC10005814 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.2c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The sequencing of human virus genomes from wastewater samples is an efficient method for tracking viral transmission and evolution at the community level. However, this requires the recovery of viral nucleic acids of high quality. We developed a reusable tangential-flow filtration system to concentrate and purify viruses from wastewater for genome sequencing. A pilot study was conducted with 94 wastewater samples from four local sewersheds, from which viral nucleic acids were extracted, and the whole genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was sequenced using the ARTIC V4.0 primers. Our method yielded a high probability (0.9) of recovering complete or near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes (>90% coverage at 10× depth) from wastewater when the COVID-19 incidence rate exceeded 33 cases per 100 000 people. The relative abundances of sequenced SARS-CoV-2 variants followed the trends observed from patient-derived samples. We also identified SARS-CoV-2 lineages in wastewater that were underrepresented or not present in the clinical whole-genome sequencing data. The developed tangential-flow filtration system can be easily adopted for the sequencing of other viruses in wastewater, particularly those at low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Segelhurst
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
| | - Jonathan E. Bard
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine
and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New
York 14203, United States
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Graduate Program,
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at
Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Annemarie N. Pillsbury
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
| | - Md Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
| | - Natalie A. Lamb
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
| | - Chonglin Zhu
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
| | - Alyssa Pohlman
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
| | - Amanda Boccolucci
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
| | - Jamaal Emerson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at
Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Brandon J. Marzullo
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine
and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New
York 14203, United States
| | - Donald A. Yergeau
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
| | - Norma J. Nowak
- UB Genomics and Bioinformatics Core,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203,
United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine
and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New
York 14203, United States
| | - Ian M. Bradley
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
- Research and Education in Energy, Environmental and
Water (RENEW) Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New
York 14260, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Surtees
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine
and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New
York 14203, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at
Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Graduate Program,
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at
Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Yinyin Ye
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260,
United States
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34
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Barnes K, Levy J, Andersen K, Gauld J, Rigby J, Kanjerwa O, Uzzell C, Chilupsya C, Anscombe C, Tomkins-Tinch C, Mbeti O, Cairns E, Thole H, McSweeney S, Chibwana M, Ashton P, Jere K, Meschke J, Diggle P, Cornick J, Jambo K, Kawalazira G, Paterson S, Nyirenda T, Feasey N, Chilima B. Utilizing river and wastewater as a SARS-CoV-2 surveillance tool to predict trends and identify variants of concern in settings with limited formal sewage systems. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2801767. [PMID: 37090541 PMCID: PMC10120776 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2801767/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact health systems globally and robust surveillance is critical for pandemic control, however not all countries can sustain community surveillance programs. Wastewater surveillance has proven valuable in high-income settings, but little is known about how river and informal sewage in low-income countries can be used for environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. In Malawi, a country with limited community-based COVID-19 testing capacity, we explored the utility of rivers and wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. From May 2020 - January 2022, we collected water from up to 112 river or informal sewage sites/month, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 8.3% of samples. Peak SARS-CoV-2 detection in water samples predated peaks in clinical cases. Sequencing of water samples identified the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, with Delta and Omicron detected well in advance of detection in patients. Our work highlights wastewater can be used for detecting emerging waves, identifying variants of concern and function as an early warning system in settings with no formal sewage systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristian Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla CA USA
| | - Jillian Gauld
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
| | - Jonathan Rigby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Oscar Kanjerwa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Chisomo Chilupsya
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Edward Cairns
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool
| | - Herbert Thole
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
| | - Shannon McSweeney
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
| | - Marah Chibwana
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Cornick
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool
| | | | | | | | - Tonney Nyirenda
- Department of Pathology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
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35
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Dehghan Banadaki M, Torabi S, Strike WD, Noble A, Keck JW, Berry SM. Improving wastewater-based epidemiology performance through streamlined automation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109595. [PMID: 36875746 PMCID: PMC9970922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has enabled us to describe Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in populations. However, implementation of wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 is limited due to the need for expert staff, expensive equipment, and prolonged processing times. As WBE increases in scope (beyond SARS-CoV-2) and scale (beyond developed regions), there is a need to make WBE processes simpler, cheaper, and faster. We developed an automated workflow based on a simplified method termed exclusion-based sample preparation (ESP). Our automated workflow takes 40 min from raw wastewater to purified RNA, which is several times faster than conventional WBE methods. The total assay cost per sample/replicate is $6.50 which includes consumables and reagents for concentration, extraction, and RT-qPCR quantification. The assay complexity is reduced significantly, as extraction and concentration steps are integrated and automated. The high recovery efficiency of the automated assay (84.5 ± 25.4%) yielded an improved Limit of Detection (LoDAutomated=40 copies/mL) compared to the manual process (LoDManual=206 copies/mL), increasing analytical sensitivity. We validated the performance of the automated workflow by comparing it with the manual method using wastewater samples from several locations. The results from the two methods correlated strongly (r = 0.953), while the automated method was shown to be more precise. In 83% of the samples, the automated method showed lower variation between replicates, which is likely due to higher technical errors in the manual process e.g., pipetting. Our automated wastewater workflow can support the expansion of WBE in the fight against Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and other epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soroosh Torabi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - William D Strike
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - Ann Noble
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - James W Keck
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, United States
| | - Scott M Berry
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, United States
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36
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Kim S, Boehm AB. Wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA at K-12 schools: comparison to pooled clinical testing data. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15079. [PMID: 36967994 PMCID: PMC10035418 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Wastewater measurements of SARS-CoV-2 RNA have been extensively used to supplement clinical data on COVID-19. Most examples in the literature that describe wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 RNA use samples from wastewater treatment plants and individual buildings that serve as the primary residence of community members. However, wastewater surveillance can be an attractive supplement to clinical testing in K-12 schools where individuals only spend a portion of their time but interact with others in close proximity, increasing risk of potential transmission of disease.
Methods
Wastewater samples were collected from two K-12 schools in California and divided into solid and liquid fractions to be processed for detection of SARS-CoV-2. The resulting detection rate in each wastewater fraction was compared to each other and the detection rate in pooled clinical specimens.
Results
Most wastewater samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA when clinical testing was positive (75% for solid samples and 100% for liquid samples). Wastewater samples continued to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA when clinical testing was negative or in absence of clinical testing (83% for both solid and liquid samples), indicating presence of infected individuals in the schools. Wastewater solids had a higher concentration of SARS-CoV-2 than wastewater liquids on an equivalent mass basis by three orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeol Kim
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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37
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Assessment of virus concentration methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IN wastewater. Braz J Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s42770-023-00941-3. [PMID: 36877444 PMCID: PMC9987392 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00941-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has been described as a valuable tool for monitoring the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a community. However, there is no consensus on the best concentration method to allow reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in this matrix, considering different laboratory facilities. This study compares two viral concentration methods, ultracentrifugation (ULT) and skimmed-milk flocculation (SMF), for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. The analytical sensitivity (limits of detection and quantification [LoD/LoQ]) of both methods was evaluated using a bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) as a surrogate. Three different approaches were conducted to establish LoD of each method based on the assays on the standard curve (ALoDsc), on the dilution of internal control (ALoDiC), and the processing steps (PLoD). For PLoD, ULT method had the lowest value (1.86 × 103 genome copy/microliter [GC/µL]) when compared to the SMF method (1.26 × 107 GC/µL). The LoQ determination showed a mean value of 1.55 × 105 GC/µL and 3.56 × 108 GC/µL to ULT and SMF, respectively. The detection of SARSCoV-2 in naturally contaminated wastewater revealed 100% (12/12) and 25% (3/12) of detection using ULT and SMF with quantification ranging from 5.2 to 7.2 log10 genome copy/liter (GC/L) and 5.06 to 5.46 log10 GC/L, respectively. The detection success rate of BRSV used as an internal control process was 100% (12/12) for ULT and 67% (8/12) for SMF, with an efficiency recovery rate ranging from 12 to 38% and 0.1 to 5%, respectively. Our data consolidates the importance of assessing the methods used; however, further analysis should be carried out to improve low-cost concentration methodologies, essential for use in low-income and developing countries.
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38
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Davis A, Keely SP, Brinkman NE, Bohrer Z, Ai Y, Mou X, Chattopadhyay S, Hershey O, Senko J, Hull N, Lytmer E, Quintero A, Lee J. Evaluation of intra- and inter-lab variability in quantifying SARS-CoV-2 in a state-wide wastewater monitoring network. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 9:1053-1068. [PMID: 37701755 PMCID: PMC10494892 DOI: 10.1039/d2ew00737a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, was first reported and subsequently triggered a global pandemic. Wastewater monitoring, a strategy for quantifying viral gene concentrations from wastewater influents within a community, has served as an early warning and management tool for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a community. Ohio built a collaborative statewide wastewater monitoring network that is supported by eight labs (university, government, and commercial laboratories) with unique sample processing workflows. Consequently, we sought to characterize the variability in wastewater monitoring results for network labs. Across seven trials between October 2020 and November 2021, eight participating labs successfully quantified two SARS-CoV-2 RNA targets and human fecal indicator virus targets in wastewater sample aliquots with reproducible results, although recovery efficiencies of spiked surrogates ranged from 3 to 75%. When SARS-CoV-2 gene fragment concentrations were adjusted for recovery efficiency and flow, the proportion of variance between laboratories was minimized, serving as the best model to account for between-lab variance. Another adjustment factor (alone and in different combinations with the above factors) considered to account for sample and measurement variability includes fecal marker normalization. Genetic quantification variability can be attributed to many factors, including the methods, individual samples, and water quality parameters. In addition, statistically significant correlations were observed between SARS-CoV-2 RNA and COVID-19 case numbers, supporting the notion that wastewater surveillance continues to serve as an effective monitoring tool. This study serves as a real-time example of multi-laboratory collaboration for public health preparedness for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Davis
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Scott P Keely
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | - Nichole E Brinkman
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, USA
| | | | - Yuehan Ai
- Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Xiaozhen Mou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, USA
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Biology and Department of Geosciences, University of Toledo, USA
| | - Olivia Hershey
- Department of Geosciences and Biology, University of Akron, USA
| | - John Senko
- Department of Geosciences and Biology, University of Akron, USA
| | - Natalie Hull
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering and Sustainability Institute, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Eva Lytmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, USA
| | | | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, USA
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39
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Wolken M, Sun T, McCall C, Schneider R, Caton K, Hundley C, Hopkins L, Ensor K, Domakonda K, Kalvapalle P, Persse D, Williams S, Stadler LB. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in preK-12 schools shows school, community, and citywide infections. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 231:119648. [PMID: 36702023 PMCID: PMC9858235 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance is a passive and efficient way to monitor the spread of infectious diseases in large populations and high transmission areas such as preK-12 schools. Infections caused by respiratory viruses in school-aged children are likely underreported, particularly because many children may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 has been studied extensively and primarily by sampling at centralized wastewater treatment plants, and there are limited studies on SARS-CoV-2 in preK-12 school wastewater. Similarly, wastewater detections of influenza have only been reported in wastewater treatment plant and university manhole samples. Here, we present the results of a 17-month wastewater monitoring program for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 2176 samples) and influenza A and B (n = 1217 samples) in 51 preK-12 schools. We show that school wastewater concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were strongly associated with COVID-19 cases in schools and community positivity rates, and that influenza detections in school wastewater were significantly associated with citywide influenza diagnosis rates. Results were communicated back to schools and local communities to enable mitigation strategies to stop the spread, and direct resources such as testing and vaccination clinics. This study demonstrates that school wastewater surveillance is reflective of local infections at several population levels and plays a crucial role in the detection and mitigation of outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Wolken
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Sun
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camille McCall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Kelsey Caton
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Hundley
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katherine Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaavya Domakonda
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - David Persse
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; City of Houston Emergency Medical Services, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Williams
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS-519, Houston, TX, USA.
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40
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Zheng X, Wang M, Deng Y, Xu X, Lin D, Zhang Y, Li S, Ding J, Shi X, Yau CI, Poon LLM, Zhang T. A rapid, high-throughput, and sensitive PEG-precipitation method for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119560. [PMID: 36623382 PMCID: PMC9803703 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The effective application of wastewater surveillance is dependent on testing capacity and sensitivity to obtain high spatial resolution testing results for a timely targeted public health response. To achieve this purpose, the development of rapid, high-throughput, and sensitive virus concentration methods is urgently needed. Various protocols have been developed and implemented in wastewater surveillance networks so far, however, most of them lack the ability to scale up testing capacity or cannot achieve sufficient sensitivity for detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA at low prevalence. In the present study, using positive raw wastewater in Hong Kong, a PEG precipitation-based three-step centrifugation method was developed, including low-speed centrifugation for large particles removal and the recovery of viral nucleic acid, and medium-speed centrifugation for the concentration of viral nucleic acid. This method could process over 100 samples by two persons per day to reach the process limit of detection (PLoD) of 3286 copies/L wastewater. Additionally, it was found that the testing capacity could be further increased by decreasing incubation and centrifugation time without significantly influencing the method sensitivity. The entire procedure uses ubiquitous reagents and instruments found in most laboratories to obtain robust testing results. This high-throughput, cost-effective, and sensitive tool will promote the establishment of nearly real-time wastewater surveillance networks for valuable public health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiawan Zheng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mengying Wang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danxi Lin
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuxian Li
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xianghui Shi
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung In Yau
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Lab, Center for Environmental Engineering Research, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China; Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China.
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41
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Burnet JB, Cauchie HM, Walczak C, Goeders N, Ogorzaly L. Persistence of endogenous RNA biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV in raw wastewater: Impact of temperature and implications for wastewater-based epidemiology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159401. [PMID: 36240930 PMCID: PMC9554201 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers in wastewater should guide wastewater-based epidemiology users in selecting best RNA biomarkers for reliable detection of the virus during current and future waves of the pandemic. In the present study, the persistence of endogenous SARS-CoV-2 were assessed during one month for six different RNA biomarkers and for the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) at three different temperatures (4, 12 and 20 °C) in one wastewater sample. All SARS-CoV-2 RNA biomarkers were consistently detected during 6 days at 4° and differences in signal persistence among RNA biomarkers were mostly observed at 20 °C with N biomarkers being globally more persistent than RdRP, E and ORF1ab ones. SARS-CoV-2 signal persistence further decreased in a temperature dependent manner. At 12 and 20 °C, RNA biomarker losses of 1-log10 occurred on average after 6 and 4 days, and led to a complete signal loss after 13 and 6 days, respectively. Besides the effect of temperature, SARS-CoV-2 RNA signals were more persistent in the particulate phase compared to the aqueous one. Finally, PMMoV RNA signal was highly persistent in both phases and significantly differed from that of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers. We further provide a detailed overview of the latest literature on SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV decay rates in sewage matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Cécile Walczak
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Goeders
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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42
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Simple Wastewater Preparation Protocol Applied to Monitor the Emergence of the Omicron 21L/BA.2 Variant by Genome Sequencing. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020268. [PMID: 36851484 PMCID: PMC9965846 DOI: 10.3390/v15020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting and monitoring viruses in wastewater samples have been reported as useful ways of tracking SARS-CoV-2 epidemic trends. However, there is currently no unanimously recognised method of processing samples to identify and quantify SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater. We aimed to implement a method that was as simple as possible in order to be used universally. In a study performed between January 2022 and June 2022 in the city of Marseille, France, we first evaluated the impact of the sample preservation strategy. We then compared ultracentrifugation to ultrafiltration and several steps of filtration to determine the optimal approach for virus concentration. As a proof-of-concept, the definitive protocol was applied to next-generation sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater to monitor the emergence of the Omicron variant in the city. For sewage water to be processed in the week following the sampling, storage at +4 °C is sufficient, with less than 1 Ct loss. Filtration with a 5 µm syringe filter, then with a 0.8 µm filtration unit, followed by ultrafiltration was the optimal protocol, leading to an average increase of 3.24 Ct when the starting Ct was on average 38 in the wastewater. This made it possible to observe the emergence of the Omicron 21L/BA.2 variant after Omicron 21K/BA.1 by genome sequencing over a period ranging from 20 February to 10 April 2022 in agreement with observations based on patient data. To conclude, by using a simple method requiring only basic filters and a centrifuge as equipment, it is possible to accurately track the relative incidence rates and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants based on sewage samples.
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Maal-Bared R, Qiu Y, Li Q, Gao T, Hrudey SE, Bhavanam S, Ruecker NJ, Ellehoj E, Lee BE, Pang X. Does normalization of SARS-CoV-2 concentrations by Pepper Mild Mottle Virus improve correlations and lead time between wastewater surveillance and clinical data in Alberta (Canada): comparing twelve SARS-CoV-2 normalization approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:158964. [PMID: 36167131 PMCID: PMC9508694 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) data normalization is an analyte measurement correction that addresses variations resulting from dilution of fecal discharge by non-sanitary sewage, stormwater or groundwater infiltration. No consensus exists on what WBS normalization parameters result in the strongest correlations and lead time between SARS-CoV-2 WBS data and COVID-19 cases. This study compared flow, population size and biomarker normalization impacts on the correlations and lead times for ten communities in twelve sewersheds in Alberta (Canada) between September 2020 and October 2021 (n = 1024) to determine if normalization by Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) provides any advantages compared to other normalization parameters (e.g., flow, reported and dynamic population sizes, BOD, TSS, NH3, TP). PMMoV concentrations (GC/mL) corresponded with plant influent flows and were highest in the urban centres. SARS-CoV-2 target genes E, N1 and N2 were all negatively associated with wastewater influent pH, while PMMoV was positively associated with temperature. Pooled data analysis showed that normalization increased ρ-values by almost 0.1 and was highest for ammonia, TKN and TP followed by PMMoV. Normalization by other parameters weakened associations. None of the differences were statistically significant. Site-specific correlations showed that normalization of SARS-CoV-2 data by PMMoV only improved correlations significantly in two of the twelve systems; neither were large sewersheds or combined sewer systems. In five systems, normalization by traditional wastewater strength parameters and dynamic population estimates improved correlations. Lead time ranged between 1 and 4 days in both pooled and site-specific comparisons. We recommend that WBS researchers and health departments: a) Investigate WWTP influent properties (e.g., pH) in the WBS planning phase and use at least two parallel approaches for normalization only if shown to provide value; b) Explore normalization by wastewater strength parameters and dynamic population size estimates further; and c) Evaluate purchasing an influent flow meter in small communities to support long-term WBS efforts and WWTP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Maal-Bared
- Quality Assurance and Environment, EPCOR Water, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yuanyuan Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Qiaozhi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tiejun Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steve E Hrudey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sudha Bhavanam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Norma J Ruecker
- Water Quality Services, City of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erik Ellehoj
- Ellehoj Redmond Consulting, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonita E Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Public Health Laboratories (ProvLab), Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Lott MEJ, Norfolk WA, Dailey CA, Foley AM, Melendez-Declet C, Robertson MJ, Rathbun SL, Lipp EK. Direct wastewater extraction as a simple and effective method for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and COVID-19 community-level monitoring. FEMS MICROBES 2023; 4:xtad004. [PMID: 37333441 PMCID: PMC10117872 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has proven to be an effective tool to monitor the transmission and emergence of infectious agents at a community scale. Workflows for wastewater surveillance generally rely on concentration steps to increase the probability of detection of low-abundance targets, but preconcentration can substantially increase the time and cost of analyses while also introducing additional loss of target during processing. To address some of these issues, we conducted a longitudinal study implementing a simplified workflow for SARS-CoV-2 detection from wastewater, using a direct column-based extraction approach. Composite influent wastewater samples were collected weekly for 1 year between June 2020 and June 2021 in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, USA. Bypassing any concentration step, low volumes (280 µl) of influent wastewater were extracted using a commercial kit, and immediately analyzed by RT-qPCR for the SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 gene targets. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in 76% (193/254) of influent samples, and the recovery of the surrogate bovine coronavirus was 42% (IQR: 28%, 59%). N1 and N2 assay positivity, viral concentration, and flow-adjusted daily viral load correlated significantly with per-capita case reports of COVID-19 at the county-level (ρ = 0.69-0.82). To compensate for the method's high limit of detection (approximately 106-107 copies l-1 in wastewater), we extracted multiple small-volume replicates of each wastewater sample. With this approach, we detected as few as five cases of COVID-19 per 100 000 individuals. These results indicate that a direct-extraction-based workflow for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance can provide informative and actionable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E J Lott
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - William A Norfolk
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Cody A Dailey
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, 101 Buck Road, Athens, GA 30606, United States
| | - Amelia M Foley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Carolina Melendez-Declet
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Megan J Robertson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Stephen L Rathbun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, 101 Buck Road, Athens, GA 30606, United States
| | - Erin K Lipp
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, 150 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, United States
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Clark JR, Terwilliger A, Avadhanula V, Tisza M, Cormier J, Javornik-Cregeen S, Ross MC, Hoffman KL, Troisi C, Hanson B, Petrosino J, Balliew J, Piedra PA, Rios J, Deegan J, Bauer C, Wu F, Mena KD, Boerwinkle E, Maresso AW. Wastewater pandemic preparedness: Toward an end-to-end pathogen monitoring program. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1137881. [PMID: 37026145 PMCID: PMC10070845 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1137881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular analysis of public wastewater has great potential as a harbinger for community health and health threats. Long-used to monitor the presence of enteric viruses, in particular polio, recent successes of wastewater as a reliable lead indicator for trends in SARS-CoV-2 levels and hospital admissions has generated optimism and emerging evidence that similar science can be applied to other pathogens of pandemic potential (PPPs), especially respiratory viruses and their variants of concern (VOC). However, there are substantial challenges associated with implementation of this ideal, namely that multiple and distinct fields of inquiry must be bridged and coordinated. These include engineering, molecular sciences, temporal-geospatial analytics, epidemiology and medical, and governmental and public health messaging, all of which present their own caveats. Here, we outline a framework for an integrated, state-wide, end-to-end human pathogen monitoring program using wastewater to track viral PPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Clark
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Austen Terwilliger
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vasanthi Avadhanula
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Tisza
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Juwan Cormier
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara Javornik-Cregeen
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Matthew Clayton Ross
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kristi Louise Hoffman
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Catherine Troisi
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Blake Hanson
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joseph Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, CMMR, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Balliew
- El Paso Water Utility, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Pedro A. Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Pediatrics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Janelle Rios
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Deegan
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cici Bauer
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fuqing Wu
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kristina D. Mena
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- TAILOR Labs, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Anthony W. Maresso
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Ngwira LG, Sharma B, Shrestha KB, Dahal S, Tuladhar R, Manthalu G, Chilima B, Ganizani A, Rigby J, Kanjerwa O, Barnes K, Anscombe C, Mfutso-Bengo J, Feasey N, Mvundura M. Cost of wastewater-based environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: Evidence from pilot sites in Blantyre, Malawi and Kathmandu, Nepal. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001377. [PMID: 36962924 PMCID: PMC10021894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental surveillance of rivers and wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 detection has been explored as an innovative way to surveil the pandemic. This study estimated the economic costs of conducting wastewater-based environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 to inform decision making if countries consider continuing these efforts. We estimated the cost of two SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance pilot studies conducted in Blantyre, Malawi, and Kathmandu, Nepal. The cost estimation accounted for the consumables, equipment, and human resource time costs used for environmental surveillance from sample selection until pathogen detection and overhead costs for the projects. Costs are reported in 2021 US$ and reported as costs per month, per sample and person per year. The estimated costs for environmental surveillance range from $6,175 to $8,272 per month (Blantyre site) and $16,756 to $30,050 (Kathmandu site). The number of samples processed per month ranged from 84 to 336 at the Blantyre site and 96 to 250 at the Kathmandu site. Consumables costs are variable costs influenced by the number of samples processed and are a large share of the monthly costs for ES (ranging from 39% to 72%). The relatively higher costs per month for the Kathmandu site were attributable to the higher allocation of dedicated human resources and equipment to environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 compared to the Blantyre site where these resources were shared with other activities. The average cost per sample ranged from $25 to $74 (Blantyre) and $120 to $175 (Kathmandu). There were associated economies of scale for human resources and equipment costs with increased sample processing and sharing of resources with other activities. The cost per person in the catchment area per year ranged from $0.07 to $0.10 in Blantyre and $0.07 to $0.13 in Kathmandu. Environmental surveillance may be a low-cost early warning signal for SARS-CoV-2 that can complement other SARS-CoV2 monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucky G. Ngwira
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bhawana Sharma
- Environment and Public Health Organization, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Sushil Dahal
- Environment and Public Health Organization, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Reshma Tuladhar
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gerald Manthalu
- Department of Planning and Policy, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ben Chilima
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Allone Ganizani
- Environmental Department, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jonathan Rigby
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Kanjerwa
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kayla Barnes
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of Glasgow MRC Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Anscombe
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicholas Feasey
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mercy Mvundura
- Medical Devices and Health Technologies, PATH, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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D'Aoust PM, Tian X, Towhid ST, Xiao A, Mercier E, Hegazy N, Jia JJ, Wan S, Kabir MP, Fang W, Fuzzen M, Hasing M, Yang MI, Sun J, Plaza-Diaz J, Zhang Z, Cowan A, Eid W, Stephenson S, Servos MR, Wade MJ, MacKenzie AE, Peng H, Edwards EA, Pang XL, Alm EJ, Graber TE, Delatolla R. Wastewater to clinical case (WC) ratio of COVID-19 identifies insufficient clinical testing, onset of new variants of concern and population immunity in urban communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158547. [PMID: 36067855 PMCID: PMC9444156 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Clinical testing has been the cornerstone of public health monitoring and infection control efforts in communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With the anticipated reduction of clinical testing as the disease moves into an endemic state, SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance (WWS) will have greater value as an important diagnostic tool. An in-depth analysis and understanding of the metrics derived from WWS is required to interpret and utilize WWS-acquired data effectively (McClary-Gutierrez et al., 2021; O'Keeffe, 2021). In this study, the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater signal to clinical cases (WC) ratio was investigated across seven cities in Canada over periods ranging from 8 to 21 months. This work demonstrates that significant increases in the WC ratio occurred when clinical testing eligibility was modified to appointment-only testing, identifying a period of insufficient clinical testing (resulting in a reduction to testing access and a reduction in the number of daily tests) in these communities, despite increases in the wastewater signal. Furthermore, the WC ratio decreased significantly in 6 of the 7 studied locations, serving as a potential signal of the emergence of the Alpha variant of concern (VOC) in a relatively non-immunized community (40-60 % allelic proportion), while a more muted decrease in the WC ratio signaled the emergence of the Delta VOC in a relatively well-immunized community (40-60 % allelic proportion). Finally, a significant decrease in the WC ratio signaled the emergence of the Omicron VOC, likely because of the variant's greater effectiveness at evading immunity, leading to a significant number of new reported clinical cases, even when community immunity was high. The WC ratio, used as an additional monitoring metric, could complement clinical case counts and wastewater signals as individual metrics in its potential ability to identify important epidemiological occurrences, adding value to WWS as a diagnostic technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and likely for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M D'Aoust
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Amy Xiao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Mercier
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nada Hegazy
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jian-Jun Jia
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shen Wan
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Md Pervez Kabir
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Wanting Fang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Meghan Fuzzen
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Maria Hasing
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Minqing Ivy Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jianxian Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aaron Cowan
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Walaa Eid
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sean Stephenson
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mark R Servos
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Matthew J Wade
- Data, Analytics and Surveillance Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex E MacKenzie
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Edwards
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xiao-Li Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Eric J Alm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Tyson E Graber
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Robert Delatolla
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Evaluation of viral concentration and extraction methods for SARS-CoV-2 recovery from wastewater using droplet digital and quantitative RT-PCR. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 6:100224. [PMID: 37520924 PMCID: PMC9222221 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic caused by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide despite the various measures announced by the authorities. Wastewater-based epidemiology has the ability to provide a day-to-day estimation of the number of infected people in a fast and cost-effective manner. However, owing to the complex nature of wastewater, wastewater monitoring for viral genome copies is affected by the extensive viral fragmentation that takes place all the way to the sewage and the analytical lab. The aim of this study was to evaluate different methodologies for the concentration and extraction of viruses in wastewaters and to select and improve an option that maximizes the recovery of SARS-CoV-2. We compare 5 different concentration methods and 4 commercially available kits for the RNA extraction. To evaluate the performance and the recovery of these, SARS-CoV-2 isolated from patients was used as a spike control. Additionally, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in all wastewater samples was determined using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), targeting three genetic markers (N1, N2 and N3). Using spiked samples, recoveries were estimated 2.1–37.6% using different extraction kits and 0.1–2.1% using different concentration kits. It was found that a direct capture-based method, evaluated against a variety of concentration methods, is the best in terms of recovery, time and cost. Interestingly, we noticed a good agreement between the results provided by RT-qPCR and RT-ddPCR in terms of recovery. This evaluation can serve as a guide for laboratories establishing a protocol to perform wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. Overall, data presented here reinforces the validity of WBE for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, uncovers potential caveats in the selection of concentration and extraction protocols and points towards optimal solutions to maximize its potential.
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Sridhar J, Parit R, Boopalakrishnan G, Rexliene MJ, Praveen R, Viswananathan B. Importance of wastewater-based epidemiology for detecting and monitoring SARS-CoV-2. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 6:100241. [PMID: 37520919 PMCID: PMC9341170 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged as a global challenge in terms of health and disease monitoring. COVID-19 infection is mainly spread through the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to the development of mild to severe clinical manifestations. The virus binds to its cognate receptor ACE2 which is widely expressed among different tissues in the body. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 shedding in the fecal samples has been reported through the screening of sewage water across various countries. Wastewater screening for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 provides an alternative method to monitor infection threat, variant identification, and clinical evaluation to restrict the virus progression. Multiple cohort studies have reported the application of wastewater treatment approaches and epidemiological significance in terms of virus monitoring. Thus, the manuscript outlines consolidated and systematic information regarding the application of wastewater-based epidemiology in terms of monitoring and managing a viral disease outbreak like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayavel Sridhar
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rahul Parit
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - M Johni Rexliene
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajkumar Praveen
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Balaji Viswananathan
- Department of Biotechnology (DDE), Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India
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50
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Hoar C, McClary-Gutierrez J, Wolfe MK, Bivins A, Bibby K, Silverman AI, McLellan SL. Looking Forward: The Role of Academic Researchers in Building Sustainable Wastewater Surveillance Programs. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:125002. [PMID: 36580023 PMCID: PMC9799055 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In just over 2 years, tracking the COVID-19 pandemic through wastewater surveillance advanced from early reports of successful SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in untreated wastewater to implementation of programs in at least 60 countries. Early wastewater monitoring efforts primarily originated in research laboratories and are now transitioning into more formal surveillance programs run in commercial and public health laboratories. A major challenge in this progression has been to simultaneously optimize methods and build scientific consensus while implementing surveillance programs, particularly during the rapidly changing landscape of the pandemic. Translating wastewater surveillance results for effective use by public health agencies also remains a key objective for the field. OBJECTIVES We examined the evolution of wastewater surveillance to identify model collaborations and effective partnerships that have created rapid and sustained success. We propose needed areas of research and key roles academic researchers can play in the framework of wastewater surveillance to aid in the transition from early monitoring efforts to more formalized programs within the public health system. DISCUSSION Although wastewater surveillance has rapidly developed as a useful public health tool for tracking COVID-19, there remain technical challenges and open scientific questions that academic researchers are equipped to address. This includes validating methodology and backfilling important knowledge gaps, such as fate and transport of surveillance targets and epidemiological links to wastewater concentrations. Our experience in initiating and implementing wastewater surveillance programs in the United States has allowed us to reflect on key barriers and draw useful lessons on how to promote synergy between different areas of expertise. As wastewater surveillance programs are formalized, the working relationships developed between academic researchers, commercial and public health laboratories, and data users should promote knowledge co-development. We believe active involvement of academic researchers will contribute to building robust surveillance programs that will ultimately provide new insights into population health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11519.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hoar
- Department of Civil and Urban Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Jill McClary-Gutierrez
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marlene K. Wolfe
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aaron Bivins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea I. Silverman
- Department of Civil and Urban Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Sandra L. McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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