We are a consortium of researchers developing and testing lab protocols and analytical software for the detection and sequencing of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi direct from wastewater. The goal is to determine whether wastewater surveillance can inform public health interventions like vaccination and improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). We are supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
We have lab protocols for collection of grab samples and Moore swabs, for sample concentration and for molecular testing including realtime PCR or direct targeted nanopore sequencing. They are hosted on the protocols.io platform, which allows free access including an interactive community where you can ask questions.
The team at LSHTM have developed software for the analysis of sequence data generated directly from wastewater concentrates by our targeted nanopore sequencing protocol. This allows confirmation of the presence of S Typhi, identification of the genotype and antimicrobial resistance genes.
We are committed to open access publication of results from our studies.