User: Kraken Sense
Enteric illnesses are caused by various pathogens through different routes of exposure, including the consumption of contaminated food or water, contact with animal feces or travel. Campylobacter is the most common global cause of enteric illnesses and is often underreported due to its mild symptoms. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) has been proven globally as an effective community monitoring tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this proposal, we aim to establish a WBS strategy for detecting Campylobacter outbreaks through three different approaches: (1) conventional qPCR detection and quantification of pathogenic Campylobacter species, (2) characterization of pathogenic strains through Campylobacter-specific amplification and sequencing, and (3) targeted sequencing of Campylobacter using capture panels. The PCR quantification step will be performed by the autonomous Kraken unit, which integrates sampling, nucleic acid extraction, quantification (qPCR), and access to results via a cloud-based dashboard. Monitoring with Kraken will reduce the time and labour required for sample transport and processing, which is particularly critical in remote areas. Genomic characterization through sequencing will enable the identification of circulating pathogenic strains and help understand their sources of isolation and the geographical distribution of the outbreak. The sequencing approaches developed in this study could potentially be integrated into the Kraken unit. Remote access to quantification data will provide time-sensitive information for decision-making by public health units.