Rapid and comprehensive microbial profiling for water sustainability
Duration:
July 2020
This project will examine the concentration and extraction of virus RNA, amplification and sequencing the entire genome of the virus and bioinformatic analysis.
Genomic information generated in this project will:
- Help monitor the spread of the virus and the impact of intervention methods in water systems
- Track the prevalence and distribution of key genes to guide vaccine development
- Complement the PCR-based detection practice recommended by the WHO.
Funding
- Queensland Government
- Advanced Queensland
- Urban Utilities
Project outcomes
This project aims to deliver a highly sensitive approach to identify the presence of Novel Coronavirus (nCOV-2019) that leads to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome from urban wastewater systems.
It is achieved by sequencing the genome of nCOV-2019 within the timeframe of 24 hours. We will apply this method to monitor the spreading of viruses in urban water systems during an outbreak. It can also serve as an early warning system for future outbreaks.