This study aimed to complement wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing COVID-19 treatment drugs (remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine) and their metabolites, along with 26 other pharmaceuticals, in wastewater. Wastewater samples (n=183) were analyzed, revealing varying detection frequencies for COVID-19 drugs due to instability. A significant correlation was found between SARS-CoV-2 genes and desethylhydroxychloroquine. Remdesivir levels peaked after FDA authorization. Of the 26 pharmaceuticals, only acetaminophen showed significant correlation with viral loads, particularly during Omicron dominance. A Bayesian model incorporating viral RNA, COVID-19 treatment drugs, and pharmaceuticals data accurately predicted COVID-19 cases.
Publisher
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
Published On
Dec 05, 2023
Authors
Cheng-Shiuan Lee, Mian Wang, Deepak Nanjappa, Yi-Ta Lu, Jaymie Meliker, Sean Clouston, Christopher J. Gobler, Arjun K. Venkatesan
Tags
SARS-CoV-2
wastewater surveillance
COVID-19 treatment drugs
pharmaceuticals
Bayesian model
viral loads
acetaminophen
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