Improved scalability, sensitivity, and interpretability of pathogen detection, including SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater using high-throughput, highly multiplexed digital array PCR technology

PROJECT ABSTRACTPresently, the application of molecular technology such as RT-qPCR and digital PCR (dPCR) to quantifySARS-CoV-2 and related targets in wastewater is cumbersome, time consuming, and costly. Whileprogress has been made on the development of methods and the interpretation of data, much remains tobe improved for the technology to be used as a public health management tool. A major drawback in thecurrent approaches are 1) the lack of streamlined and consistent pre-analytical processing steps, 2)coverage across the relevant targets requires a high number of reactions (>20) from any single sample toprovide quantitative information, and 3) a lack of vision on the development of a pathogen/marker panel,much like those used in clinical arenas, for interpretation of the data across different states, regions andnations. The goal of this project will be to successfully navigate these three limitations towarddevelopment of a public health warning system that is not dependent on clinical testing and has the abilityto rapidly address novel pathogen threats in the future.