Temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater and population infection trends in Mexico City
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) provides a non-invasive, community-level approach to monitor infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This study investigated the temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater and reported COVID-19 cases in adjacent populations in Mexico City. A total of 40 samples were collected from the Copilco neighborhood during two epidemiological waves (April-September 2021 and November 2021-February 2022). An optimized one-step RT-qPCR protocol targeting the N1 gene achieved 96.7% efficiency with a detection limit of 10 copies/μL. Spatial classification identified three proximity zones based on drainage system topology. Cross-correlation analysis between viral genome copies and confirmed case data revealed a significant temporal lag of 6-8 days. These results support the application of WBE as an early-warning tool to inform public health strategies and anticipate infection trends.
Authors
- Miguel Atl Silva-Magaña (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6702-4578)
- Enrique Hernández–Lemus (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1872-1397)
- Guillermo de Anda‐Jáuregui (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7749-0365)
- Ana Cecilia Espinosa‐García
- Marisa Mazari-Hiríart (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1646-2253)
- Adalberto Noyola
Institutions
- National Institute of Genomic Medicine (MX)
- Instituto de Ecología (MX)
- Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (MX)
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (MX)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Public Health
- Published
- 2025-08-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1640581
- Primary Topic
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- Secretaría de Estado de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación
- Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México