One Health investigation into the Emergence and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa

The Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Arbo and Respiratory virus research is currently investigating the origins and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Gauteng province in South Africa using a One Health approach in three ways: 1. Immunocompromised Hosts: Active surveillance of HIV-uncontrolled individuals in Tshwane to study persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections in people with weakened immune systems. Longitudinal sampling will track the virus's evolution within this group. 2. Reverse Zoonosis and Animal Reservoirs: One Health surveillance involving captured wildlife, cats, rodents, and domestic pets who have close contact with humans. 3. Wastewater Surveillance: Environmental surveillance using wastewater sampling to detect viral variants in under-surveyed communities. We have a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals, veterinarians and environmental and lab scientists working towards this project. Our One Health Day event will focus on engaging and informing veterinary and medical professionals on the benefits of using a One Health approach by presenting our study and preliminary findings to doctors at Kalafong hospital. The event will be recorded and distributed to various medical and veterinary professional groups across the country to further raise awareness.