Harnessing the Power of Next-Generation Sequencing in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Global Disease Surveillance

Kata Farkas, Rachel C Williams, Luke S Hillary, Alvaro Garcia-Delgado, Eleanor Jameson, Jessica L Kevill, Matthew J Wade, Jasmine M S Grimsley, Davey L Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a valuable surveillance tool for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens globally, providing insights into community-level infections, including asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. While most WBE programmes focus on quantitative pathogen assessment, next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have enabled more detailed analyses, including variant and recombinant genotype identification for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and poliovirus. Despite recent NGS advancements allowing for the detection of known and novel viruses in wastewater, many of these tools remain underutilised in routine WBE. This short review critically evaluates the applicability of common NGS tools in routine WBE programmes, assessing their capability for identifying emerging threats with epidemic or pandemic potential. Here, we provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating NGS techniques into WBE and the use of results for informed decision-making within a One Health framework, aiming to enhance global infectious disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5
JournalFood and Environmental Virology
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
  • Humans
  • Wastewater/virology
  • COVID-19/epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2/genetics
  • Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Pandemics
  • Global Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Harnessing the Power of Next-Generation Sequencing in Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Global Disease Surveillance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this