University Enhances Surveillance for Emerging Infectious Diseases

The University of Minnesota is intensifying efforts to identify and monitor biological threats that could spark epidemics, establishing a new institute dedicated to tracking infectious pathogens at the genetic level and assessing wastewater across the state. The Institute on Infectious Diseases, known as UMIID, will be officially launched later this month, but its surveillance activities are already underway. Led by Director Michael Gale, who previously contributed to SARS-CoV-2 research at the University of Washington, the institute aims to detect genetic mutations in viruses and other pathogens that may increase their infectivity or severity.

Despite recent setbacks, including the loss of federal funding last month, the institute remains committed to bolstering disease surveillance capabilities. Gale emphasized the importance of UMIID, particularly given the federal cuts to scientific and public health research, which have diminished the nation's overall infectious disease monitoring efforts. A key focus will be tracking changes in viruses like West Nile Virus, which, although less prevalent recently, shows signs of genetic variation that could lead to increased outbreaks.

Additionally, the institute will monitor the Powassan virus, spread primarily through deer ticks, and evaluate mutations in avian influenza strains such as H5N1 that could pose a threat to human health. Modeling studies will explore how these tick- and mosquito-borne diseases spread, enabling better preparedness.

Despite Minnesota reporting only 22 West Nile cases last year, Gale warns of a potential rise due to genetic drift. The institute also aims to track bird flu, which has caused disruptions in poultry and beef production and resulted in human infections. The concern increases if the virus mutates to become transmissible between humans, potentially leading to a new pandemic.

Federal funding cuts, particularly from the NIH, have challenged the institute's growth; the network of universities working on emerging infectious diseases was deemed unsafe for Americans and not a good use of taxpayer money, reflecting political tensions surrounding the origins of COVID-19. Nonetheless, private donations and university support will sustain UMIID, enabling the acquisition of equipment and hiring of scientific staff.

The university’s approach includes wastewater surveillance, which was developed early in the COVID pandemic as an effective early warning system. The analysis of wastewater samples can predict outbreaks weeks in advance, as demonstrated in Minnesota. The university plans to expand testing to include influenza, measles, RSV, and other pathogens, aiming to develop rapid, portable testing devices. The goal is to create a comprehensive genetic signature database to serve as an early warning system for emerging disease threats.

Research at the university also focuses on understanding pathogen resistance to drugs and the immune system's response to infections. These efforts aim to enhance preparedness and provide early detection of infectious disease outbreaks, helping protect public health nationally and globally.