Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES) is a testing method used to estimate the health status of a given population by measuring the downstream presence or quantity of associated pathogens. Further highlighted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic1, this approach has generated increased interest2 in giving comprehensive health information in communities. It ideally complements clinical surveillance and is even more valuable in limited resources settings3. Not only can wastewater be used to detect pathogens of concern such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, or RSV, it allows also for the detection of Antimicrobial Resistant Genes (ARGs).
For use on the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® TORCH system, the WATCHFIRE™ R Panel is a unique multiplex 22-target PCR test detecting nucleic acids of common respiratory viruses and bacteria* shed in feces and detectable in wastewater samples, in about 45 minutes. Using the web-hosted FIREWORKS™ software compatible with our molecular BIOFIRE® range, an early warning alert can be provided from the detection and trending of pathogens from compositive wastewater influent samples taken from community level watersheds. These alerts may help Public Health authorities to take data-driven decisions and appropriate actions.
The WATCHFIRE™ R Panel is the first test composing the WATCHFIRE™ Solution to be used by operators in a decentralized or near source lab setting. The panel is run on BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® TORCH which provides enhanced flexibility and real-time analysis to ensure improved surveillance and greater operational efficiency.
The WATCHFIRE™ R Panel – for respiratory pathogens present in wastewater – will be available worldwide in the second quarter of 2025. It will be followed by the WATCHFIRE™ Gastrointestinal (G) panel, addressing enteric pathogens in sewage, in the third quarter, to further expand bioMérieux’s presence in the wastewater and environmental surveillance segment.
* Viruses: Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human metapneumovirus, Human rhinovirus/enterovirus, Influenza A virus, Influenza A virus A/H1, Influenza A virus A/H3, Influenza A virus A/H1-2009, Influenza B virus, Parainfluenza virus 1, Parainfluenza virus 2, Parainfluenza virus 3, Parainfluenza virus 4, Respiratory syncytial virus
Bacteria: Bordetella parapertussis, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- COVID-19 wastewater | WHO COVID-19 dashboard
- Why Is Wastewater Surveillance Important? – Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology
- Wastewater Surveillance in Low-Resource Waste Systems | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC
