UKZN grads use sewage to track Covid-19 hotspots
New sampling and testing capabilities can provide robust information to both government and private sector decision-makers in their efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.
UKZN graduates working on research into Covid-19, have discovered sewage can be used to tell where Covid-19 hotspots are, making it possible to monitor the total viral load in the country’s wastewater treatment works.
The researchers work out of GreenHill Laboratories, the first contract laboratory in South Africa to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage as part of a commercial virus risk forensic service.
The process involves taking bulk, composite samples through to a laboratory capable of meeting the needs of clients in both the public and private sectors.
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The Proof of Concept was the culmination of a team effort spearheaded by Prof Anthony Turton of the University of the Free State and Amanzi-4-All, coordinated by Neil Madgwick of Praecautio, with sampling undertaken by Kevin Lindsay of Instru-Serve.
The Impuma Group, through Amanzi-4-All, was instrumental in the sponsorship of the trial.
The pilot trial took sewage samples from five wastewater treatment works (WWTW) based in Gauteng that were transported to GreenHill Laboratories in KZN.
The samples were collected using automatic samplers over a period of 24 hours to optimise statistical rigour in the results.
Under the leadership of GreenHill Laboratories’ director, Dr Shaun Groenink, the samples were processed and analysed by principal molecular biologist, Dr Cara-Lesley Bartlett.
The viral RNA was extracted and identified based on protocols published by the Dutch KWR Water Research Institute and the USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Three of the five samples yielded detectable levels of viral RNA, with the laboratory working on procedures to increase the sensitivity of the test.
The Proof of Concept delivered by GreenHill Laboratories demonstrates that Covid-19 can be detected in wastewater and South Africa has the capability for this testing. Statistically relevant sampling and timeous delivery to the laboratory are possible, and existing protocols and kits have been used.
The establishment of a Proof of Concept facilitates the development of additional parameters, such as the quantification of viral load.
This additional data can be used to monitor community-wide viral load, and assess whether various mitigation strategies are working or not.
Through collaborative partnerships, the logistical supply chain from point of sample to the laboratory can now handle national-level upscaling, and Amanzi-4-All can offer this service to any client immediately, including both the public and private sectors.
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The capacity of this South African laboratory to detect SARS-CoV-2 in sewage expedites its application by epidemiologists, public health scientists and those charged with looking after the health and safety of students, visitors and employees.
This includes predicting and monitoring potential Covid-19 hotspots to focus intervention by decision-makers and public health officials in these areas, as well as assessing the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
These new sampling and testing capabilities can provide robust information to both government and private sector decision-makers in their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus while reopening the economy.
Rapid deployment across all sectors of society is key to limiting the pandemic’s effects.
The team is currently expanding and optimising the value chain to include individual buildings, schools, mines and businesses.
Greenhill Laboratories’ Chairman Austin Hlongwane said: “I would personally like to commend the GreenHill Laboratories team for all the diligent effort that they have put into this project. Their dedication, desire to experiment, out-of-the-box thinking and personal passion is unparalleled. As a result, I am hopeful for positive outcomes in the fight against Covid-19.”
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