Using Environmental Sampling to Enable Zoonotic Pandemic Preparedness

Abstract

The current pandemic caused by the SARS CoV-2, tracing back its origin possibly to a coronavirus associated with bats, has ignited renewed interest in understanding zoonotic spillovers across the globe. While research is more directed towards solving the problem at hand by finding therapeutic strategies and novel vaccine techniques, it is important to address the environmental drivers of pathogen spillover and the complex biotic and abiotic drivers of zoonoses. The availability of cutting-edge genomic technologies has contributed enormously to preempt viral emergence from wildlife. However, there is still a dearth of studies from species-rich South Asian countries, especially from India. In this review, we outline the importance of studying disease dynamics through environmental sampling from wildlife in India and how ecological parameters of both the virus and the host community may play a role in mediating cross-species spillovers. Non-invasive sampling using feces, urine, shed hair, saliva, shed skin, and feathers has been instrumental in providing genetic information for both the host and their associated pathogens. Here, we discuss the advances made in environmental sampling protocols and strategies to generate genetic data from such samples towards the surveillance and characterization of potentially zoonotic pathogens. We primarily focus on bat-borne or small mammal-borne zoonoses and propose a conceptual framework for non-invasive strategies to tackle the threat of emerging zoonotic infections.

Modern technologies and solutions to enhance surveillance and response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases

“…In disease surveillance, deploying IoT-based sensors in key locations allows continuous real-time monitoring of environmental parameters, animal health, and human activity [ [75] , [76] , [77] ]. Specific applications include the use of wildlife biosensors to detect ecological disruptions that lead to zoonotic spillovers, agricultural IoT devices to monitor livestock health, and wearable sensors to track human vitals and symptoms [ [78] , [79] , [80] ]. Early anomaly detection enables targeted investigation and preventive measures [ 81 ].…”

Establishing environmental specimen banking to monitor environmental challenges in Zimbabwe

“…This information can help prevent the spread of diseases and develop targeted mitigation strategies. The global pandemic brought on by SARS CoV-2, which may have originated from a coronavirus linked to bats, has rekindled interest in the study of zoonotic spillovers using preserved specimens (Sanyal et al, 2022). eDNA in banked water samples to has been successfully used detect an invasive mussel species before it could significantly impact the ecosystem (Sahu et al, 2023).…”

The Indian Science Establishment and Public Health: Critical Need for Transdisciplinary Learning, Collaboration, and Leadership

“…For example, just related to COVID-19, Ajmeriya et al 4 have elucidated the role of antibody-dependent enhancement of COVID-19 infection (Public Health Biology) while Kumar et al 5 have highlighted the broad range of animal species and animal cellular models that COVID-19 has been able to infect (Public Health Biology, One Health, Ecology and Environmental Public Health). Sanyal et al 6 have addressed the need to examine environmental drivers of pathogen spillover and the complex biotic and abiotic drivers of zoonoses (One Health, Ecology and Environmental Public Health). Both these groups emphasize the need for application of One Health principles in understanding the zoonotic leap of not only COVID-19 into humans but also other future pathogenic infections.…”