A journey from fishes to viruses: Development of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance to support public health action

Section 1: Publication

Publication Type

Authorship

Servos, M.

Title

A journey from fishes to viruses: Development of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance to support public health action

Year

2023

Publication Outlet

Larkworthy Memorial Lecture, Vision Science Research Seminar 2022-2023's, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo. April 18, 2023

DOI

https://uwaterloo.ca/optometry-vision-science/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/dr.mark_servos_keynote_april_18-2023.pdf

ISBN

ISSN

Citation

Servos, M. (2023) A journey from fishes to viruses: Development of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance to support public health action. Larkworthy Memorial Lecture, Vision Science Research Seminar 2022-2023's, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo. April 18, 2023. https://uwaterloo.ca/optometry-vision-science/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/dr.mark_servos_keynote_april_18-2023.pdf

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential to monitor SARS-CoV-2 viral fragments in wastewater using basic molecular biology techniques, similar to those used to study wastewater impacts on fish in the Grand River. Scientists at the University of Waterloo applied environmental science techniques to develop a potential surveillance program for public health officials. With the help of partners, they established a program in several Ontario communities, including the Region of Waterloo, to track community spread of the virus. Regular sampling of wastewater treatment plant influent showed that wastewater-based surveillance is a useful tool to predict early trends in hospitalizations across Ontario, especially during the massive Omicron wave. The success of this program demonstrates the remarkable and unexpected journey of science

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