An innovative approach for the non-invasive surveillance of communities and early detection of SARS-CoV-2 via solid waste analysis.

ABSTRACT: The diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requires the detection of viral RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) performed mainly using nasopharyngeal swabs. However, this procedure requires separate analysis per each individual, performed in advanced centralized laboratory facilities with specialized medical personnel. In this study, an alternative approach termed "solid waste-based surveillance (SWBS)" was explored, in order to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infection in small communities through the indirect sampling of saliva left on waste. Sampling was performed at 20 different sites in Italy during the second peak of COVID-19. Three swabs were positive for SARS-CoV-2 using a published RT-qPCR protocol targeting the non-s

SUBMITTER: Di Maria F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8372477 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature