Parallel Deployment of Passive and Automated Samplers in a University Campus for Surveillance and Variant Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage Reveals the Usefulness of the Former

• DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4261981
• Publication Date: 2022-11-30T10:27:37Z
• Authors: Gyuhyon Cha; Katherine E. Graham; Kevin J. Zhu; Gouthami Rao; Blake Lindner; Kumru Kocaman; Seongwook Woo; Isabelle D'a...; Lilia R. Bingham; Jamie M. Fischer; Camryn I. Flores; John W. Spencer; Pranav Yathiraj; Hayong Chung; Shweta Biliya; Naima Djeddar; Liza J. Burton; Samantha J. Mascuch; Joe Brown; Anton Bryksin; Ameet Pinto; Janet K. Hatt; Konstantinos T. K...
• Keywords: Profiling (computer programming)

Wastewater-based epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven useful for public health decision-making but is often hampered by sampling methodology constraints, particularly at building- or neighborhood-level. Time-weighted composite samples are commonly used; however, autosamplers expensive and can be affected intermittent flows in sub-sewershed contexts. In this study, we compared time-weighted composite, grab, passive via Moore swabs, four locations across a college campus to understand utility of sampling. After optimizing methods sample handling processing viral RNA extraction, quantified SARS-CoV-2 N1 N2, as well fecal strength indicator, PMMoV, ddRT-PCR applied tiled amplicon sequencing genome. Passive favorably with our study area: collected concurrently, 42% agreed between swab 58% were positive using swabs while below limit detection. Variant profiles from showed shift variant BA.1 BA.2, consistent in-person saliva samples. These data have implications broader implementation sewage surveillance without advanced technologies utilization approaches other emerging pathogens.