via Cranfield University
Researchers at Cranfield University are working on a new test to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater of communities infected with the virus.
The wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach could provide an effective and rapid way to predict the potential spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) by picking up on biomarkers in faeces and urine from disease carriers that enter the sewer system.
Rapid testing kits using paper-based devices could be used on-site at wastewater treatment plants to trace sources and determine whether there are potential COVID-19 carriers in local areas.
Dr Zhugen Yang, Lecturer in Sensor Technology at Cranfield Water Science Institute, said: “In the case of asymptomatic infections in the community or when people are not sure whether they are infected or not, real-time community sewage detection through paper analytical devices could determine whether there are COVID-19 carriers in an area to enable rapid screening, quarantine and prevention.
“If COVID-19 can be monitored in a community at an early stage through WBE, e?ective intervention can be taken as early as possible to restrict the movements of that local population, working to minimise the pathogen spread and threat to public health.”
Recent studies have shown that live SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from the faeces and urine of infected people and the virus can typically survive for up to several days in an appropriate environment after exiting the human body.
The paper device is folded and unfolded in steps to filter the nucleic acids of pathogens from wastewater samples, then a biochemical reaction with preloaded reagents detects whether the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 infection is present. Results are visible to the naked eye: a green circle indicating positive and a blue circle negative.
“We have already developed a paper device for testing genetic material in wastewater for proof-of-concept, and this provides clear potential to test for infection with adaption,” added Dr Yang. “This device is cheap (costing less than £1) and will be easy to use for non-experts after further improvement.
“We foresee that the device will be able to offer a complete and immediate picture of population health once this sensor can be deployed in the near future.”
WBE is already recognised as an e?ective way to trace illicit drugs and obtain information on health, disease, and pathogens. Dr Yang has developed a similar paper-based device to successfully conduct tests for rapid veterinary diagnosis in India and for malaria in blood among rural populations in Uganda.
Paper analytical devices are easy to stack, store and transport because they are thin and lightweight, and can also be incinerated after use, reducing the risk of further contamination.
An overview of the approach – Can a Paper-Based Device Trace COVID-19 Sources with Wastewater-Based Epidemiology? – co-authored with Hua Zhang and Kang Mao of the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China, has recently been published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Wastewater test covid-19
- Yes, There’s Monkeypox In Wastewater But Experts Aren’t That Concerned It Will Spread To Rats
While it’s theoretically possible for rats and mice to become a US reservoir of monkeypox, the experts we talked to said virus-containing wastewater is not a concern at the moment — and you definitely ...
- COVID-19 activity remains elevated in San Diego County
Coronavirus prevalence in San Diego County was relatively flat over the past week, according to the latest wastewater surveillance data, despite recent hints of a drop after the aggressive spread of ...
- City of Houston to utilize wastewater testing to monitor monkeypox level in community
Houston began to use wastewater testing in 2020 to gain knowledge of the coronavirus that was present in the community.
- Houston will soon test wastewater to monitor monkeypox levels in community
As of Aug. 4, the Harris County Public Health Department has reported 165 total cases of monkeypox, 143 of which have been reported in the city of Houston and 22 of which have been reported in the ...
- Goodbye social distancing? Changes might be coming to the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines
The CDC’s recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 are changing, CNN is reporting, saying people who aren’t up to date on their vaccinations no longer need to stay home. Also going away are ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Wastewater test covid-19
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Early warning of COVID-19
- Amid rise in COVID-19 cases, Centre asks Delhi, 6 states to focus on testing, vaccination
In a letter to Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said upcoming festivals and mass congregations in different parts of the ...
- COVID-19: Centre Writes to 7 States Including Delhi, Cautions About Festivals
Delhi and six other states have been asked to be more cautious as upcoming festivals may further increase spread.
- Centre asks Delhi, six states to step up vigil, ramp up testing amid rising Covid-19 cases
Delhi has been witnessing a rise in daily Covid-19 cases with the city reporting 2,419 cases and a positivity rate of 12.9 per cent on Friday, according to the government’s daily health bulletin.
- Centre asks Delhi and six states to focus on testing, vaccination amid rise in COVID-19 cases
In a letter to Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said upcoming festivals and mass congregations may facilitate transmission of ...
- Three Canadian Doctors Died of Long-Term Illnesses, Contrary to False Claims COVID-19 Vaccine Was Cause
It's estimated that COVID-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives, but false claims continue to cast doubt on their safety and efficacy. One such claim that has spread around the world falsely ...