Work

Seasonal surveillance of various pathogenic viruses in wastewater using a high-throughput PCR system and comparison of two concentration methods

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In recent years, the analysis of viruses in wastewater has become a recognized method to monitor the circulation of pathogenic viruses within the populations. This non-invasive and integrated approach is all the more strategic as many viral pathogens can be released in sewage. There is currently no standard method for the virological analysis of wastewater, and various protocols have been developed to concentrate and detect viruses in this matrix. This study aims to develop a high-throughput qPCR detection system to describe the occurrence of 30 human enteric and respiratory viruses in influent and effluent wastewater samples collected in the Paris area during two periods in 2023. The influence of the concentration method (ultracentrifugation or aluminium hydroxide adsorption-precipitation) for the recovery of viruses from wastewater samples was also investigated. The ultracentrifugation-based method allowed a higher viral recovery (4.95–100 % versus 0.77–33 % for the precipitation-based method), especially in effluent waters. The PCR array revealed the presence of many pathogenic viruses, with marked seasonal variations mainly for respiratory viruses. This system is particularly suitable for the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of multiple viruses in wastewater. • Development of a high-throughput PCR system for rapid detection of 30 viruses in wastewater. • Comparison of methods based on ultracentrifugation or precipitation for virus concentration from wastewater. • Detection of various human enteric and respiratory viruses in influent and effluent wastewater samples. • High detection rate of enteric viruses during both sampling periods. • Higher prevalence of respiratory viruses during the cold season.

Source: The Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179362

Authors: Prunelle Waldman, Audrey Fraisse, Mai-Lan Tran, Sylvie Perelle, Sandra Martin-Latil

Institutions: Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Pôle de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur Université Paris-Est, Paris-Est Sup

Language: English

Topic: Fecal contamination and water quality

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250