Journal Article Review Epublish 2 citations
PubMed: 39204285 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080685
Advancing Public Health Surveillance: Integrating Modeling and GIS in the Wastewater-Based Epidemiology of Viruses, a Narrative Review.
Pathogens 13(8)
Authors: Diego F Cuadros, Xi Chen, Jingjing Li, Ryosuke Omori, Godfrey Musuka
Affiliations
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 41221, USA.
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 41221, USA. Department of Geography and GIS, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 41221, USA.
- Department of Land Resources Management, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
- Division of Bioinformatics, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 002-8501, Japan.
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Harare 0002, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
This review article will present a comprehensive examination of the use of modeling, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) in the surveillance of viruses in wastewater. With the advent of global health challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool for the early detection and management of viral outbreaks. This review will explore the application of various modeling techniques that enable the prediction and understanding of virus concentrations and spread patterns in wastewater systems. It highlights the role of spatial analysis in mapping the geographic distribution of viral loads, providing insights into the dynamics of virus transmission within communities. The integration of GIS in wastewater surveillance will be explored, emphasizing the utility of such systems in visualizing data, enhancing sampling site selection, and ensuring equitable monitoring across diverse populations. The review will also discuss the innovative combination of GIS with remote sensing data and predictive modeling, offering a multi-faceted approach to understand virus spread. Challenges such as data quality, privacy concerns, and the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration will be addressed. This review concludes by underscoring the transformative potential of these analytical tools in public health, advocating for continued research and innovation to strengthen preparedness and response strategies for future viral threats. This article aims to provide a foundational understanding for researchers and public health officials, fostering advancements in the field of wastewater-based epidemiology.
MeSH
Geographic Information Systems, Epidemiology, Public Health, Viruses, Research, Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring, Spatial Analysis, Public Health Surveillance