New method from KU Leuven finds hundreds of viruses in 1 sewage sample: "Detecting earlier prevents infections"

Researchers from KU Leuven have developed a method to detect hundreds of viruses in a single wastewater sample, enhancing public health monitoring. Previously, only one virus could be targeted at a time. This new approach allows for broader surveillance, identifying 339 virus types and 715 strains, including parvovirus B19, which can be dangerous for pregnant women. The method could have enabled earlier detection of the coronavirus, potentially preventing infections and allowing for quicker public health responses. Despite high virus concentrations, the virologist reassures that many detected viruses do not cause illness.