Spatial and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 diversity circulating in wastewater

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be an effective tool for epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, combining WBE together with highthroughput sequencing techniques can be useful for the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral diversity present in a given sample. The present study focuses on the genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in 76 sewage samples collected during the three epidemiological waves that occurred in Spain from 14 wastewater treatment plants distributed throughout the country. The results obtained demonstrate that the metagenomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater allows the detection of mutations that define the B.1.1.7 lineage and the ability of the technique to anticipate the detection of certain mutations before they are detected in clinical samples. The study proves the usefulness of sewage sequencing to track Variants of Concern that can complement clinical testing to help in decision-making and in the analysis of the evolution of the pandemic.

Automated summary

Wastewater-based epidemiology is an effective tool for epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, and when combined with high-throughput sequencing techniques, it can analyze viral diversity. The study proves the ability of sewage sequencing to anticipate mutations and assist in clinical testing for decision-making and analysis of the pandemic's evolution.