Researchers from the Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) and the Toxicological Centre, have joined forces with the Belgian health agency Sciensano to measure levels of the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater. This research builds on methodologies and expertise that were previously optimized by Prof. Peter Delputte and Prof. Alexander van Nuijs with funding received from the UAntwerp University Research Fund (BOF).
Samples of (incoming) wastewater from Belgian treatment stations will be analysed twice a week for 2 years. The measurement of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is a national surveillance program that covers more than 40% of the Belgian population. The selected collection points for the wastewater samples are located in areas with a high population density. Thus, in theory, these are areas with a higher risk of coronavirus transmission.
The first collected data so far shows that the levels of SARS-CoV-2 present in wastewater are largely similar to the number of positive tests in the 3 regions of the country (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia).
Therefore, wastewater could be used as a new epidemiological indicator to detect any significant fluctuations in the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population.
These analyses are carried out by three labs, all using the same testing methodology:
UAntwerp Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) and the Toxicological Centre.
e-biom (a University of Namur spin-off)
Sciensano (food pathogens lab)
Further information can be found on the Sciensano website.