Chronic shedding of a SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in wastewater.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Central Michigan University (CMU) participated in a state-wide SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring program since 2021. Wastewater samples were collected from on-campus sites and nine off-campus wastewater treatment plants servicing small metropolitan and rural communities. SARS-CoV-2 genome copies were quantified using droplet digital PCR and results were reported to the health department.

Results

One rural, off-campus site consistently produced higher concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 genome copies. Samples from this site were sequenced and contained predominately a derivative of Alpha variant lineage B.1.1.7, detected from fall 2021 through summer 2023. Mutational analysis of reconstructed genes revealed divergence from the Alpha variant lineage sequence over time, incl

SUBMITTER: Conway MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10787452 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature