Tracking disease in the drain: CCMB, TIGS working on standardised protocol

Scientists are definitely finding traces of COVID in several parts of the twin cities after picking up samples from open drains at 18 locations.

Scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) here and the Tata Institute for Genetics & Society (TIGS), Bengaluru, are working on a standardised protocol for effective sewage surveillance to not only check for prevalence of COVID-19 but also diseases such as dengue, and anti-microbial resistance (AMR) among the population.

Mathematical models, which could give a forecast of the pathogens present in the population, are being developed and progress is expected in months. “It is a challenging task and the idea is to do extensive sampling of sewage in the open as well as STPs (sewage treatment plants) in urban areas to come out with proper protocols in association with municipal corporations, academic and research bodies across the country,” explained TIGS director Rakesh Mishra.

“COVID is still around. While collecting samples from the STPs will give us a correct picture where we can even estimate the number of positive cases prevalent and even predict of any likely spike, the open drains, because of the continuous flow of water, makes it difficult as it depends on when the infected persons used the toilet,” Mr.Mishra, who was the former director of CCMB, said in an exclusive interaction.

Along with CCMB and TIGS, Ashoka University, Pune Knowledge Cluster, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, and few other institutions are working on this project to collect sewage samples across the country, besides extending the ongoing surveillance beyond Bengaluru to smaller cities/towns. “It is a decent collection of geographical regions for coming out with strong standardised protocols for environmental surveillance,” said Mr.Mishra.

Scientists are definitely finding traces of COVID in several parts of the twin cities after picking up samples from open drains at about 18 places. “There is positivity but it is difficult to make a precise assessment since there is continuous flow and the samples collected should match with those infected using the toilet,” he pointed out.

On the other hand, in Bengaluru, due to “excellent arrangement” with the Bengaluru Municipal Corporation, scientists are allowed to pick up sewage samples from the STPs where a more accurate assessment of the cases can be deduced as the water stays for a few days and advance warning can be given to the public health departments.

The senior scientist observed that with regard to COVID, a clear increase in the viral RNA load in environmental sample from multiple locations is being observed, although it is nothing like it was in any wave. “There should be no room for complacency and it should not be allowed a free ride. While there is no harm in taking the nasal vaccine considering it is an non-invasive one, vigil should be maintained nevertheless”, said Mr. Mishra.