A systematic review on the utility of wastewater surveillance for monitoring yellow fever virus and other arboviruses

Aims: This review aims to examine wastewater surveillance for the detection of yellow fever virus (YFV) and related arboviruses, focusing on concentration and extraction methodology, viral decay kinetics, and quantification techniques. Methods: A literature search was conducted across 5 databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies included were original scientific articles published between April 2014 and April 2024. Human research studies investigating wastewater surveillance and YFV or other arboviruses/flaviviruses were assessed. Results: A total of 17 studies were included in this review. YFV was not detected in population-based wastewater samples; however, successful detection of similar viruses suggests potential for YFV monitoring with wastewater surveillance. YFV-spiked wastewater studies reveal similar concentration efficiency and decay rates between arboviruses. Effective concentration methods for YFV likely include centrifugation ultrafiltration and solid pellet extraction. YFV and arboviruses decay faster at higher temperatures, though YFV remains detectable for several days at these temperatures. Conclusions: Wastewater surveillance presents a promising approach for monitoring YFV and other arboviruses. However, further research is needed to overcome existing limitations and enhance its effectiveness.