Expanding the Pathogen Panel in Wastewater Epidemiology to Influenza and Norovirus.

ABSTRACT: Since the start of the 2019 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. With methods and infrastructure being settled, it is time to expand the potential of this tool to a wider range of pathogens. We used over 500 archived RNA extracts from a WBE program for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance to monitor wastewater from 11 treatment plants for the presence of influenza and norovirus twice a week during the winter season of 2021/2022. Extracts were analyzed via digital PCR for influenza A, influenza B, norovirus GI, and norovirus GII. Resulting viral loads were normalized on the basis of NH₄-N. Our results show a good applicability of ammonia-normalization to compare different wastewater treatment plants. Extrac

SUBMITTER: Markt R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9966704 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature