This illustration is based on an article which provides the quantitative framework for assessing the sensitivity and cost of wastewater metagenomic sequencing (W-MGS) for viral surveillance. W-MGS hosts benefits such as maintaining high sensitivity while simultaneously detecting multiple pathogens, with additional opportunities to obtain more complete pathogen genomes. This enables the assessment of viral fitness, molecular epidemiology and variant tracking.

The gloved hand of a wastewater operator cranks a mechanical model representing W-MGS, based off celestial orreys. A universe of viruses spin around a chain with sample collection bottles, hanging from a sewer grate. Elements creating the model foundation represent solute-hybrid selection. Forms represent biotinylated probes responsible for DNA hybridization, which are then captured and isolated using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads.

Art direction by Maria Garcia.