Revolutionizing Real-time Genomic Epidemiology in Urban Wastewater Systems

Abstract:: Pathogens sicken hundreds of millions of people and cost the global economy tens of billions of dollars annually. It is also one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The current epidemiology approach and data are retrospective and thus insufficient for timely intervention. This project aims to develop a real-time and high-resolution genomic tool to monitor and track pathogens in urban wastewater systems based on the portable third-generation sequencing platform. Integrated with wastewater analysis for pharmaceuticals targeting pathogens, the sewer-based epidemiology approach will greatly enhance public health by achieving early detection and informed control of infectious diseases.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Projects
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland