WP 5.1 Wastewater Microbiomes for Next-Gen Public Health Monitoring

project description

Monitoring complex microbiomes, particularly through wastewater, is an effective early warning system for public health, as seen in tracking diseases like polio or SARS-CoV-2. Yet, the full potential of wastewater microbiomes remains untapped. We propose that wastewater offers a rich source of data on the urban microbiome, potentially informing public health interventions.

This project aims to develop methods to track different kingdoms of infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, and archaea in Vienna’s sewer system, analyzing how microbiome composition changes over time. The goal is to establish baselines and variations correlated to health data that could guide public health strategies. Vienna is ideal for this study due to its comprehensive population records and support from local authorities. We will establish and benchmark protocols and use sequencing and metagenomics to analyze microbial profiles. The data will be integrated with health and socioeconomic information to identify patterns that may result in actionable insights, with a focus on pathogens affecting vulnerable populations. The project aims to extend these findings to other areas and develop surveillance system for infectious diseases in underprivileged countries.