Research Projects

Background: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been successfully used for the surveillance of enteric non-enveloped viruses such poliovirus, adenovirus, norovirus etc. Although SARS-CoV-2 is primarily a respiratory pathogen, replication of virus in the gastrointestinal tract and shedding of virus in faeces is established. Recent reports suggest WBE as an emerging complementary tool to predict SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the population. Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in community through wastewater-based surveillance approach. The secondary objective is genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. Methods: A total of ~130 samples collected from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) will be used in the study. Wastewater samples will be processed to remove debris, bacteria, parasites etc. RNA will be extracted from processed samples and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time RT PCR test. Quantitative PCR will be performed to determine the viral load and estimation of prevalence in population. Concentrations of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in wastewater will also be determined and correlated with the viral load. Positive samples will be selected for whole genome sequencing and sequences will be analyzed in comparison to reference strains to determine mutant residues and identify variants. Expected outcome: WBE of SARS-CoV-2 could act as a tool to monitor SARS-CoV-2 transmission within the community a few weeks prior to the virus being detected in clinical samples. WBE might strengthen the existing surveillance program and provide valuable data to public health policymakers to allocate necessary resources to manage existing cases as well as to carefully contain the disease spread.