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Published on: May 31, 2020
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Zika Virus RNA Persistence in Sewage.
Aaron Muirhead1, Kevin Zhu2, Joe Brown2
1Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology Letters
|June 9, 2023
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) RNA remains detectable in sewage for extended periods, even at room temperature. Wastewater surveillance offers a promising, cost-effective method for tracking ZIKV epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Virology
- Public Health Surveillance
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) infections are often asymptomatic, complicating epidemiological surveillance.
- Effective surveillance is crucial for understanding ZIKV's spread and impact.
- Wastewater monitoring presents a potential avenue for tracking arboviruses like ZIKV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of detecting Zika virus RNA in sewage.
- To determine the decay rate of ZIKV RNA in sewage under various temperature conditions.
- To evaluate sewage surveillance as a novel tool for ZIKV epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- ZIKV (MEX 1-44) was spiked into raw sewage and incubated at 4°C, 25°C, and 35°C for one month.
- Viral RNA was extracted using a QiaAmp Minelute Virus Spin Kit.
- ZIKV RNA levels were quantified using a TaqPath Zika Virus Kit.
Main Results:
- No significant decline in ZIKV RNA was observed at 4°C over the study period.
- At 25°C, 90% decay of detectable ZIKV RNA occurred after approximately 21 days.
- At 35°C, 90% decay of detectable ZIKV RNA occurred after approximately 8.5 days.
Conclusions:
- Zika virus RNA is relatively stable in sewage across a range of temperatures.
- Wastewater-based surveillance is a viable and cost-effective strategy for monitoring ZIKV.
- Further investigation into sewage surveillance for ZIKV epidemiology is warranted.
