Publication

In this perspective, some of the WaSPP network layout the opportunities and challenges for wastewater surveillance of pathogens with pandemic potential.

We reviewed human shedding and wastewater surveillance data for prototype viruses representing viral families of concern to estimate the likely sensitivity of wastewater surveillance compared with that of clinical surveillance. We examined how data on wastewater surveillance detection, together with viral genetic sequences and animal faecal biomarkers, could be used to identify spillover infections or early human transmission and adaptation. The opportunities and challenges associated with global wastewater surveillance for the prevention of pandemics are described, focusing on low-income and middle-income countries, where the risk of pandemic emergence is the highest. We proposed a research and public health agenda to ensure an equitable and sustainable solution to these challenges.