Characterization of the virome in sewage provides multiple benefits in a pandemic context

We learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that rapid detection of viruses in sewage is a tool to monitor their spread in society. Therefore EU recommended all countries to perform this surveillance.

We had previously developed one of the most sensitive virus detection techniques, which ensures analysis of the same volume of wastewater from each household at each test occasion. This makes results from analyses performed at different times comparable to each other.

However, this technique needs specific equipment, therefore an easier method with maintained sensitivity will be developed for implementation in other laboratories.

By examining viruses in wastewater during the pandemic we identified outbreaks of viruses not only infecting humans, including SARS-CoV-2, but also pets, cattle, pigs and horses. In this study we will monitor human and animal viruses in weekly collected wastewater and raw water samples. This will give us knowledge about seasonal variations for certain viruses.

If altered patterns of the amount of virus in the waters are identified, it may indicate that new viral infections are spreading in society and be a warning of impending outbreaks.

The developed methods will be offered to laboratories coordinated by the Public Health Agency of Sweden and by the Animal Health and National Veterinary Institute.

This project may contribute to the formation of national surveillance of outbreak-causing pathogens infecting humans or animals.