Advances in virus detection methods for wastewater-based epidemiological applications.

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Virology
• Public health

Background:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is crucial for monitoring infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19.
• SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater correlates with community infection levels.
• Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the standard but has limitations.

Observation:

• This review examines advancements in PCR-based methods and alternative techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater.
• Reverse-transcription digital polymerase reaction (RT-dPCR) shows a lower limit of detection than RT-qPCR.
• Non-PCR and non-RNA based methods, including protein detection via mass spectrometry and immunosensors, are explored.

Findings:

• Emerging methods include capsid-integrity assays for infectivity assessment and novel techniques for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs).
• Improvements focus on rapidity, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, sensitivity, and specificity.
• Current research aims to enhance SARS-CoV-2 detection methods for broader WBE applications.

Implications:

• Advanced WBE methods can provide more accurate and timely public health insights into disease spread.
• Developing sensitive and rapid detection techniques is vital for effective pandemic preparedness and response.
• Further research is necessary to fully implement these innovative methods in real-world WBE settings.