New Surveillance platform to test wastewater samples set up in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In collaboration with the Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainable Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH) of SRM Institute of Science & Technology – Kattankulathur, an environmental surveillance platform was set up in Thiruvananthapuram for testing wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2. Bangalore-based Swasti – Health Catalyst was also involved in the project.

The project affords governing authorities the ability to monitor the prevalence of infections among people and prepare for any eventualities through early signalling because faecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 happens well before the onset of symptoms.

Thiruvananthapuram City Health Officer Dr. Gopakumar lauded the project initiative and stated, “It would be beneficial for the local self-government if antimicrobial resistance can be determined through wastewater-based environmental surveillance. It would also be in line with the recently launched Operation Amrit”.

Speaking on the launch of the project video on her Centre’s YouTube channel, Prof Paromita Chakraborty, Head of REACH, Directorate of Research, SRMIST stated that the project outcomes included tapering SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the last 10 months. “We also undertook analysis for influenza A and B in selected samples but did not detect their presence during the project duration”.

Dr. Mukesh Pasupuleti, Principal Scientist, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute said, “It’s high time that a national-level monitoring study on AMR is conducted. Need of the hour is the establishment of a baseline.”

Also participated in the event were MG. Rajamanickam IAS, Principal Director - LSGD; Ms Spriha Atray, Swasti; Er. Praveen K S, Director - LWMD, Suchitwa Mission; Er. Sujatha, EE -Kerala Water Authority.