MicrObs: A new perspective on public health in Luxembourg through wastewater monitoring

As the first national dashboard dedicated to wastewater monitoring, MicrObs sheds light on the presence and evolution of infectious diseases using data collected by LIST microbiology experts at wastewater treatment plants across the country. Designed to be accessible to everyone, this platform combines educational content with simplified visualizations.

Launched today, MicrObs – www.microbs.lu – offers a new perspective on tracking the epidemiological trends of infectious diseases by detecting traces of pathogens in the Grand Duchy’s wastewater. Led by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), with the support of the Water management agency and the Health Directorate, this initiative provides healthcare professionals, policymakers and citizens with a clear and interactive view of the temporal and spatial evolution of various pathogens.

For several years, Luxembourg’s wastewater has been used to monitor viruses responsible for major respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, and RSV—a virus often associated with pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children. These data are shared with the Health Directorate to inform strategic public health decisions. Other pathogens, such as norovirus—the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis—have also been monitored and may be tracked further in the future. With MicrObs, this critical information is now accessible to everyone, promoting transparency and a shared understanding of public health.

Wastewater monitoring: a strategic tool for public health

Through the analysis of samples collected at multiple wastewater treatment plants in Luxembourg, LIST researchers detect fragments of viral RNA or DNA, the genetic fingerprints of viruses. These data not only confirm the presence of pathogens but also estimate their concentration.

This approach complements traditional epidemiological surveillance methods by providing a perspective on the health status of populations connected to sewer networks, including asymptomatic individuals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, this method proved particularly valuable in Europe, enabling trend detection, forecasting contamination peaks, and supporting strategic decisions. Today, it extends to other pathogens, solidifying its role as a reliable and complementary tool for tracking infectious diseases.

MicrObs: bridging research and society

Although deeply rooted in research, MicrObs aims to foster transparent and effective communication with all audiences. Available in French, English and German, the platform features an interactive dashboard that translates complex data into clear, understandable information.

The visualizations are enhanced with explanatory descriptions, educational highlights and an outreach video that explains the science behind the project and the societal impact of wastewater monitoring. MicrObs positions itself as a valuable interface to inform, raise awareness, and engage individuals in understanding critical public health challenges.

For more details on the data, please contact our scientific contacts: Leslie Ogorzaly ( Principal Investigator) and Henry-Michel Cauchie ( Head of the Environmental Microbiology Group).

For more details on the Microbs website, please contact Blandine Fauvel.