Unveiling the hidden human virome: a genomic and spatiotemporal approach to viral surveillance in wastewater.
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) analyses human-excreted products in wastewater to track infectious diseases at the population level. In Belgium, current efforts focus on detecting SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and measles. However, many other potential viral threats remain unmonitored, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive, multi-virus surveillance system. Although existing methods are effective, enhancing virus concentration and detection techniques can further improve accuracy. Expanding genomic surveillance will allow for tracking of viral evolution, while refining predictive modelling can enhance outbreak forecasting. Using our unique wastewater repository from various wastewater stations, this project aims to strengthen Belgium?s wastewater surveillance system by improving virus concentration and nucleic acid extraction methods, expanding genomic surveillance, and strengthening predictive modelling. Ultimately, this project will enhance early detection, outbreak prediction, and public health preparedness, enabling more effective near real-time monitoring and response to potential viral threats.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Delputte Peter
- Co-promoter: Cuypers Wim
- Fellow: De Smedt Marie
Research team(s)
Funding
- FWO
- FWO
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Unveiling the Hidden Human Virome: A Genomic and Spatiotemporal Approach to Viral Surveillance in Wastewater.
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) analyzes human-excreted substances in wastewater to track infectious diseases at the population level. In Belgium, current efforts focus on detecting SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. However, many other potential viral threats remain unmonitored, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive, multi-virus surveillance system. Although existing methods are effective, enhancing virus concentration and detection techniques can further improve accuracy. Expanding genomic surveillance will allow for tracking of viral evolution, while refining predictive modelling can enhance outbreak forecasting. Using our unique wastewater databank from various wastewater stations, and the close collaboration with Sciensano, this project aims to strengthen Belgium's wastewater-based surveillance system by improving virus concentration and extraction methods, expanding genomic surveillance, and strengthening predictive modelling. Ultimately, this project will enhance early detection, outbreak prediction, and public health preparedness, enabling more effective real-time monitoring and response to emerging and re-emerging viral threats.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Delputte Peter
- Co-promoter: Cuypers Wim
- Fellow: De Smedt Marie
Research team(s)
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project