Detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater and their correlation with circulating variants in the communities

Abstract

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater has been highly informative in estimating the approximate number of infected individuals in the surrounding communities. Recent developments in wastewater monitoring to determine community prevalence of COVID-19 further extends into identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those being monitored for having enhanced transmissibility. We sequenced genomic RNA derived from wastewater to determine the variants of coronaviruses circulating in the communities. Wastewater samples were collected from Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) from November 2020 to June 2021. SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from wastewater were compared with the variants detected in infected individuals' clinical specimens (nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs) during the same period and found conclusively in agreement. Therefore, wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 variants in the community is a feasible strategy as a complementary tool to clinical specimen testing in the latter's absence.

Significance of wastewater surveillance in detecting the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other respiratory viruses in the community – A multi-site evaluation

“…WBE for SARS-CoV-2 analysis is a recent global endeavor to mitigate low testing frequencies and reporting information to gather more comprehensive data on the current status of COVID-19 in a community. [ 20 , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ] Moreover, WBE has been effective in detecting key variants responsible for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and pathogenicity. [ 13 , 15 , 20 , 31 ] In this study, we analyzed multiple WRFs and local collection sites in the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area using RT-qPCR to quantify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.…”

“…The methodology for virus enrichment and quantification in wastewater was performed as described in our previous study. [ 20 ] Briefly, 1 l (L) of untreated wastewater was obtained after preliminary treatment from facilities between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and transported directly to the laboratory on ice. Samples were kept at 4 °C until further treatment.…”

Significance of Wastewater Surveillance in Detecting the Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Other Respiratory Viruses in the Community – A Multi-Site Evaluation

“…WBE for SARS-CoV-2 analysis is a recent global endeavor to mitigate low testing frequencies and reporting information to gather more comprehensive data on the current status of COVID-19 in a community. 20,[27][28][29][30] Moreover, WBE has been effective in detecting key variants responsible for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and pathogenicity. 13,15,20,31 In this study, we analyzed multiple WRFs and local collection sites in the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area using RT-qPCR to quantify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.…”

“…20,[27][28][29][30] Moreover, WBE has been effective in detecting key variants responsible for the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and pathogenicity. 13,15,20,31 In this study, we analyzed multiple WRFs and local collection sites in the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area using RT-qPCR to quantify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. To contribute additional insight to the literature, the present study sought to independently assess different regional WRFs and local collection sites for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 and respective variants via frequent sample collection and by using an up-to-date variant classification bioinformatics analysis.…”

“…The methodology for virus enrichment and quantification in wastewater was performed as described in our previous study. 20 Briefly, 1 liter (L) of untreated wastewater was obtained after preliminary treatment from facilities between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and transported directly to the laboratory on ice. Samples were kept at 4 °C until further treatment.…”