US CDC Collaborates with Ginkgo Bioworks and XWELL to Enhance Traveler-Based Monitoring at Airports
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that hospitalizations due to COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels. This concerning prediction comes as the autumn and winter seasons approach, during which respiratory infections like influenza and RSV tend to be more prevalent in the US.
In response to this anticipated rise in respiratory diseases, the CDC has joined forces with Ginkgo Bioworks and XWELL to enhance traveler-based monitoring. This extended effort will initially debut at four of the seven participating airports in the United States, with the aim of improving respiratory virus diagnosis and surveillance, as reported by VOA.
As part of this program expansion, Ginkgo and XWELL will monitor over 30 additional viruses, bacteria, and antibiotic resistance targets. This includes seasonal respiratory infections such as influenza A and B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. The monitoring operation will commence at John F. Kennedy, San Francisco, Boston Logan, and Washington Dulles airports.
Boosting Early Disease Detection Strategy
A collaboration between the health department, Ginkgo’s Concentric Biosecurity and Public Health Section, and XWELL’s XpresCheck diagnostic testing service has created a traveler-based monitoring program. Under this program, travelers voluntarily swab their noses, and samples of airport wastewater are collected. This proactive approach is crucial for early detection of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and other infections, which is essential for effective epidemic management.
According to the CDC’s news release, over 360,000 air passengers have already registered in the Traveler Genome Sequencing (TGS) program as of September 2023. Participation in the program is optional and anonymous, and it encompasses flights from over 135 nations across all WHO regions.
The TGS program was initiated in 2021, initially collecting nose swabs from overseas passengers at participating airports. As more individuals provided samples, the program expanded. Currently, the program sees the participation of 6,000 tourists weekly, with over 370,000 nose swabs performed so far. The organization has also sequenced over 14,000 samples from travelers hailing from more than 135 countries.
In August 2022, the TGS program introduced wastewater monitoring alongside nasal swab sampling. This innovative approach involves collecting wastewater from an aircraft using a specialized device. The samples are then transported to a laboratory for RT-PCR testing. In cases where positive pathogen tests, such as COVID-19, are detected, the samples are subjected to full genome sequencing to identify any variations.
Addressing the Challenge of COVID-19
Through the combination of wastewater testing and nasal swabbing, the TGS program has successfully identified multiple COVID-19 variants, including Omicron BA.2, BA.3, XBB, and BA.2.86, six weeks before their statewide reporting. The program currently monitors the emergence of respiratory viruses as the cold and flu season begins.
Recent data shows that COVID-19 hospitalizations are stable, with slightly over 15,700 per 100,000 individuals during the week ending October 28. There have been over 600 COVID-19-related fatalities reported in the previous week.
National flu activity is experiencing a gradual increase but remains at a low level. In the week ending October 28, public health laboratories recorded 189 influenza cases, with 77% being influenza A and 23% being influenza B.
The collaboration between the CDC, Ginkgo Bioworks, and XWELL aims to strengthen the detection and surveillance of respiratory viruses at airports. By implementing proactive monitoring programs, the goal is to identify and respond to potential health threats at an early stage. Through the use of advanced testing techniques and cooperative efforts, this partnership aims to protect the public and prevent future health crises.
Source: VOA
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