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Community-Scale Molecular Surveillance for Human Viruses
Ari N Machtinger1, Heather M Machkovech2, Shelby L O'Connor1
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA;
Annual Review of Virology
|May 28, 2025
Summary
Environmental surveillance using wastewater and air sampling complements clinical methods for monitoring viruses. Advances enhance detection, offering new tools for public health and epidemic intelligence globally.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Virology
Background:
- Clinical surveillance is the traditional method for monitoring viral circulation.
- Environmental surveillance, using wastewater and air sampling, is a complementary approach.
- Recent technological advancements, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, have improved viral detection in commingled samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in environmental surveillance systems.
- To discuss the potential of environmental monitoring to mitigate viral introduction and spread.
- To explore challenges and opportunities in expanding environmental monitoring globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and technological advancements in environmental surveillance.
- Analysis of sampling and detection technologies for viral characterization.
- Consideration of ethical implementation, community engagement, and privacy concerns.
Main Results:
- Environmental surveillance offers sensitive and comprehensive viral characterization.
- Expansion faces challenges in infrastructure and requires ethical considerations like community engagement.
- Future applications include detecting emerging zoonoses and informing public health actions.
Conclusions:
- Environmental monitoring can significantly enhance epidemic intelligence.
- Coordination among stakeholders is crucial for overcoming logistical, regulatory, and ethical hurdles.
- Environmental surveillance holds transformative potential for global public health security.
