Innovative Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: Revolutionizing Infectious Disease Monitoring

This Research Topic provides a platform for exploring cutting-edge methodologies and technologies in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), a pivotal tool for monitoring infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other public health challenges within a One Health framework. Contributions may address the integration of advanced molecular techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) for the detection and quantification of biological targets in wastewater, as evidenced by recent studies targeting gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and emerging pathogens. Areas of interest include the development of sensitive, low-cost, and scalable sampling methods such as Moore swabs, the application of automated platforms for pathogen concentration and nucleic acid extraction, and innovative approaches for antimicrobial resistance surveillance. The discussion encompasses the challenges and opportunities in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of WBE, improving the accuracy of disease prevalence predictions, and understanding pathogen shedding dynamics. By fostering dialogue on these innovative approaches, this Research Topic aims to advance molecular testing methods and their contribution to epidemiology, infectious disease prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance on a global scale.We invite submissions that address, but not confined, to the following topics:- Molecular techniques (qPCR, dPCR) for detecting and quantifying targets in wastewater- Detection of gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens, AMR determinants, and emerging pathogens- Sensitive, low-cost, scalable sampling methods (e.g., Moore swabs)- Automated platforms for pathogen concentration and nucleic acid extraction- Innovative approaches to antimicrobial resistance surveillance- Improving sensitivity and specificity of WBE methods- Improving accuracy of disease prevalence predictions- Pathogen shedding dynamics and their role in WBE- WBE applications within a One Health framework- Global impact on epidemiology, disease control, and AMR surveillance Topic editors: Luz Chacon, Ocean Thakali, Samendra Sherchan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83653/innovative-wastewater-based-epidemiology-revolutionizing-infectious-disease-monitoring