Link between cases of COVID 19 and viral loads in wastewater
Written By : Isra Zaman
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2022-08-23 04:15 GMT | Update On 2022-08-23 04:15 GMT
In this study, the authors wanted to examine the association between clinically reported cases and viral loads in wastewater. They correlated the results of 360 samples collected from manholes in 7 distinct areas of the Village with confirmed COVID-19 cases obtained from the Organizing Committee, and with data of close contacts tests from a previous report.
The researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 was present in 151 wastewater samples—53 from the Olympics and 98 from the Paralympics. The number of confirmed cases was also higher in the Paralympics. The strongest correlation between SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in wastewater and the presence of clinical positive areas was found in areas that had maximum viral loads in wastewater in a three-day span.
The study suggests that WBE and clinical tests are complementary and that the testing strategy played a role in preventing COVID-19 clusters in the Village. This study of one of the world's largest mass gatherings provides novel evidence on the implementation and use of wastewater-based epidemiology in communities where all members undergo daily testing, and could be used to trace and control COVID-19 clusters in the future.
Ref:
Masaaki Kitajima et al,Association of SARS-CoV-2 Load in Wastewater With Reported COVID-19 Cases in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Village From July to September 2021,JAMA Network Open,10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26822
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