sewage could reveal the extent of the epidemic

While a minority of patients show gastrointestinal symptoms, researchers have questioned whether the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19 is present in the wastewater. And it has been found in several treatment plants in the Netherlands.

The Covid-19 is a disease whose manifestations are mainly respiratory. However, several studies report gastrointestinal symptoms from the field in a minority of patients. In many cases, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in rectal swabs.

How the virus reaches the gastrointestinal tract remains unknown. However, we know that the famous cellular receptor ACE2, used by the coronavirus during infection, is expressed in abundance by the intestinal epithelial cells. The excretion of the virus through the stool could participate in the transmission of the virus, especially for people infected with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 but who have no symptoms.

Several research groups have looked into the presence of coronavirus in the wastewater that is treated in treatment plants. For now, researchers have found traces, that is to say,ARN viral, of SARS-CoV-2 in several countries, notably in the Netherlands.

Estimate the generalization of the virus in the population

According to Gertjan Medema, a Dutch microbiologist, follow the contamination wastewater collected by treatment plants could better estimate the spread of the virus than tests since untested or asymptomatic but contagious people are taken into account.

But at the moment, it is difficult to draw conclusions from it. Indeed, data is lacking on theexcretion of SARS-CoV-2 in the stool. Researchers would need to know the amount of virus in the stool to extrapolate it to that found in the wastewater.

Early detection of the epidemic

Detection of the virus in wastewater also serves as an alarm signal. According to Nature, the research group that analyzed the wastewater from Schiphol Airport identified SARS-CoV-2 four days before the first case was confirmed on the basis of clinical signs. The analysis was repeated in twelve large Dutch cities, some of which did not report any cases. Amersfoort's wastewater tested positive before the first case was reported.

According to Nature, studies indicate that virus is shed via stools within three days of infection, well before the first symptoms appear. monitoring wastewater would allow for the implementation of barrier measures. Tamar Kohn, a virologist at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), says that "sept to ten days can make a big difference in the gravity of this epidemic "

This will also interest you

SARS-COV-2 pandemic: should you be worried? Health measures are being taken by all European governments to limit the spread of the virus. Should we be worried about the current pandemic?

Did you like this article ? Don't hesitate to share it with your friends and help us to promote ABSMARTHEALTH :)! The editorial team thanks you.