Advantages of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE)

WBE offers several advantages for understanding epidemiology:

1. Comprehensive Infection Information: By collecting data from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, WBE enables a precise understanding of the prevalence and geographic distribution of target viruses. This information is invaluable in identifying potential hotspots of epidemics^7,8.

2. Genetic Variation Detection: WBE can detect genetic variations in target viruses, assisting in the formulation of government policies such as lockdowns and vaccinations⁷.

3. Population-Level Insights: WBE provides epidemiological information at a population level, minimizing the risk of revealing personal information. This approach offers a broader perspective on public health trends⁷.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: WBE is a cost-effective tool, making it feasible for surveillance in low- and middle-income countries^7,8.

Global Cases of Wastewater Surveillance

Numerous studies have been conducted to detect enteric viruses in wastewater for epidemiological surveys and evaluate wastewater’s use as a surveillance resource. Notable examples include:

- Milan, Italy: Adenovirus circulation in wastewater samples collected from January 2021 to May 2022 showed a correlation with the number of respiratory and fecal samples from hospitalized individuals⁹.

- Chiang Mai, Thailand: A 2-year surveillance study analyzed enteric viruses in environmental water samples, including wastewater, revealing the highest prevalence of enteric viruses in wastewater compared to other environmental water sources (river water, environmental reservoirs, and irrigation water)¹⁰.

Successful Implementation and Collaborative Efforts:

With Seegene's GI Solutions, a leading wastewater laboratory in the United Arab Emirates joined in monitoring the spread of infectious diseases in wastewater, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE) to monitor the spread of infectious diseases through wastewater surveillance.

Seegene's respiratory solutions have already demonstrated accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, as evidenced by a proof of concept study in South Africa and a pilot study in Romania^11,12.

Effective Outbreak Prevention with Seegene's Solutions:

WBE, combined with Seegene's high multiplex data solutions for detecting infected pathogens, is an efficient surveillance tool for monitoring potential outbreaks at the community level. By maximizing the efficacy of WBE, Seegene's solutions play a crucial role in effectively preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks in communities.

Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a valuable tool in monitoring infectious diseases and preventing their spread. Through advanced solutions like those by Seegene, public health organizations can gain crucial insights into epidemiology and take proactive measures to safeguard communities. Wastewater should no longer be regarded as waste but as a valuable resource for protecting public health.

¹Lorenzo et al., 2019; ²Hemalatha et al., 2021; ³Abdeldayem et al., 2022; ⁴Eran Kozer et al., 2021; ⁵Trelis et al., 2020; ⁶María Teresa Galán-Puchades et al., 2021; ⁷Kitajima, 2022; ⁸Tafadzwa Dzinamarira et al, 2022; ⁹Laura Pellegrinelli et al., 2022; ¹⁰Kattareeya Kumthip et al., 2023; ¹¹Gina Pocock et al., 2020 (WRC Report no. TT 832/20); ¹²Anda B icuș et al., 2021