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Vigil K, D'Souza N, Bazner J, Cedraz FMA, Fisch S, Rose JB, Aw TG. Long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater using a coordinated workflow of droplet digital PCR and nanopore sequencing. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121338. [PMID: 38430753 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genome sequencing are important methods for wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The reverse transcription-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) is a highly sensitive method for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater samples to track the trends of viral activity levels but cannot identify new variants. It also takes time to develop new PCR-based assays targeting variants of interest. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can be used to monitor known and new SARS-CoV-2 variants, but it is generally not quantitative. Several short-read sequencing techniques can be expensive and might experience delayed turnaround times when outsourced due to inadequate in-house resources. Recently, a portable nanopore sequencing system offers an affordable and real-time method for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater. This technology has the potential to enable swift response to disease outbreaks without relying on clinical sequencing results. In addressing concerns related to rapid turnaround time and accurate variant analysis, both RT-ddPCR and nanopore sequencing methods were employed to monitor the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater. This surveillance was conducted at 23 sewer maintenance hole sites and five wastewater treatment plants in Michigan from 2020 to 2022. In 2020, the wastewater samples were dominated by the parental variants (20A, 20C and 20 G), followed by 20I (Alpha, B.1.1.7) in early 2021 and the Delta variant of concern (VOC) in late 2021. For the year 2022, Omicron variants dominated. Nanopore sequencing has the potential to validate suspected variant cases that were initially undetermined by RT-ddPCR assays. The concordance rate between nanopore sequencing and RT-ddPCR assays in identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants to the clade-level was 76.9%. Notably, instances of disagreement between the two methods were most prominent in the identification of the parental and Omicron variants. We also showed that sequencing wastewater samples with SARS-CoV-2 N gene concentrations of >104 GC/100 ml as measured by RT-ddPCR improve genome recovery and coverage depth using MinION device. RT-ddPCR was better at detecting key spike protein mutations A67V, del69-70, K417N, L452R, N501Y, N679K, and R408S (p-value <0.05) as compared to nanopore sequencing. It is suggested that RT-ddPCR and nanopore sequencing should be coordinated in wastewater surveillance where RT-ddPCR can be used as a preliminary quantification method and nanopore sequencing as the confirmatory method for the detection of variants or identification of new variants. The RT-ddPCR and nanopore sequencing methods reported here can be adopted as a reliable in-house analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater for rapid community level surveillance and public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Vigil
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Nishita D'Souza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Julia Bazner
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Fernanda Mac-Allister Cedraz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Samuel Fisch
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Tiong Gim Aw
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
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2
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Cusack RP, Larracy R, Morrell CB, Ranjbar M, Le Roux J, Whetstone CE, Boudreau M, Poitras PF, Srinathan T, Cheng E, Howie K, Obminski C, O'Shea T, Kruisselbrink RJ, Ho T, Scheme E, Graham S, Beydaghyan G, Gavreau GM, Duong M. Machine learning enabled detection of COVID-19 pneumonia using exhaled breath analysis: a proof-of-concept study. J Breath Res 2024; 18:026009. [PMID: 38382095 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/ad2b6e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) relies on real-time-reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs. The false-negative rate of RT-PCR can be high when viral burden and infection is localized distally in the lower airways and lung parenchyma. An alternate safe, simple and accessible method for sampling the lower airways is needed to aid in the early and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. In a prospective unblinded observational study, patients admitted with a positive RT-PCR and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled from three hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Healthy individuals or hospitalized patients with negative RT-PCR and without respiratory symptoms were enrolled into the control group. Breath samples were collected and analyzed by laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and classified by machine learning (ML) approaches to identify unique LAS-spectra patterns (breathprints) for SARS-CoV-2. Of the 135 patients enrolled, 115 patients provided analyzable breath samples. Using LAS-breathprints to train ML classifier models resulted in an accuracy of 72.2%-81.7% in differentiating between SARS-CoV2 positive and negative groups. The performance was consistent across subgroups of different age, sex, body mass index, SARS-CoV-2 variants, time of disease onset and oxygen requirement. The overall performance was higher than compared to VOC-trained classifier model, which had an accuracy of 63%-74.7%. This study demonstrates that a ML-based breathprint model using LAS analysis of exhaled breath may be a valuable non-invasive method for studying the lower airways and detecting SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens. The technology and the ML approach can be easily deployed in any setting with minimal training. This will greatly improve access and scalability to meet surge capacity; allow early and rapid detection to inform therapy; and offers great versatility in developing new classifier models quickly for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth P Cusack
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Robyn Larracy
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Christian B Morrell
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Maral Ranjbar
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Le Roux
- Department of Medicine, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Thiviya Srinathan
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Eric Cheng
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Karen Howie
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catie Obminski
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim O'Shea
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Terence Ho
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erik Scheme
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | | | | | - Gail M Gavreau
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - MyLinh Duong
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada
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3
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Moehling TJ, Browne ER, Meagher RJ. Effects of single and multiple nucleotide mutations on loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Analyst 2024; 149:1701-1708. [PMID: 38426313 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01927f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Testing is pivotal for early identification of disease and subsequent infection control. Pathogens' nucleic acid sequence can change due to naturally-occurring genetic drift or intentional modification. Because of the reliance on molecular assays for human, animal, and plant disease diagnosis, we must understand how nucleotide mutations affect test accuracy. Primers designed against original lineages of a pathogen may be less efficient at detecting variants with genetic changes in priming regions. Here, we made single- and multi-point mutations in priming regions of a model SARS-CoV-2 template that was used as input for a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. We found that many of the modifications impacted assay sensitivity, amplification speed, or both. Further research exploring mutations at every position in each of the eight priming regions should be conducted to evaluate trends and determine generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Moehling
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, 7011 East Ave, Livermore, CA, USA 94550.
| | - Erica R Browne
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, 7011 East Ave, Livermore, CA, USA 94550.
| | - Robert J Meagher
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, 7011 East Ave, Livermore, CA, USA 94550.
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4
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de Araujo WR, Lukas H, Torres MDT, Gao W, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Low-Cost Biosensor Technologies for Rapid Detection of COVID-19 and Future Pandemics. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1757-1777. [PMID: 38189684 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Many systems have been designed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is readily transmitted, resulting in the rapid spread of disease in human populations. Frequent testing at the point of care (POC) is a key aspect for controlling outbreaks caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens, as the early identification of infected individuals can then be followed by appropriate measures of isolation or treatment, maximizing the chances of recovery and preventing infectious spread. Diagnostic tools used for high-frequency testing should be inexpensive, provide a rapid diagnostic response without sophisticated equipment, and be amenable to manufacturing on a large scale. The application of these devices should enable large-scale data collection, help control viral transmission, and prevent disease propagation. Here we review functional nanomaterial-based optical and electrochemical biosensors for accessible POC testing for COVID-19. These biosensors incorporate nanomaterials coupled with paper-based analytical devices and other inexpensive substrates, traditional lateral flow technology (antigen and antibody immunoassays), and innovative biosensing methods. We critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanobiosensor-based approaches compared to widely used technologies such as PCR, ELISA, and LAMP. Moreover, we delineate the main technological, (bio)chemical, translational, and regulatory challenges associated with developing functional and reliable biosensors, which have prevented their translation into the clinic. Finally, we highlight how nanobiosensors, given their unique advantages over existing diagnostic tests, may help in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Reis de Araujo
- Portable Chemical Sensors Lab, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Heather Lukas
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Wei Gao
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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5
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Sluimer J, van den Akker WMR, Goderski G, Swart A, van der Veer B, Cremer J, Chung NH, Molenkamp R, Voermans J, Guldemeester J, Eggink D, Presser LD, Meijer A. High quality of SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics in a diverse laboratory landscape through supported benchmark testing and External Quality Assessment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1378. [PMID: 38228693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
A two-step strategy combining assisted benchmark testing (entry controls) and External Quality Assessments (EQAs) with blinded simulated clinical specimens to enhance and maintain the quality of nucleic acid amplification testing was developed. This strategy was successfully applied to 71 diagnostic laboratories in The Netherlands when upscaling the national diagnostic capacity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The availability of benchmark testing in combination with advice for improvement substantially enhanced the quality of the laboratory testing procedures for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The three subsequent EQA rounds demonstrated high quality testing with regard to specificity (99.6% correctly identified) and sensitivity (93.3% correctly identified). Even with the implementation of novel assays, changing workflows using diverse equipment and a high degree of assay heterogeneity, the overall high quality was maintained using this two-step strategy. We show that in contrast to the limited value of Cq value for absolute proxies of viral load, these Cq values can, in combination with metadata on strategies and techniques, provide valuable information for laboratories to improve their procedures. In conclusion, our two-step strategy (preparation phase followed by a series of EQAs) is a rapid and flexible system capable of scaling, improving, and maintaining high quality diagnostics even in a rapidly evolving (e.g. pandemic) situation.
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Grants
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
- V/190028/22/PR Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport
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Affiliation(s)
- John Sluimer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Willem M R van den Akker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Goderski
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arno Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van der Veer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Cremer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ngoc Hoa Chung
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Voermans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Guldemeester
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Eggink
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lance D Presser
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Meijer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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6
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Kosińska-Selbi B, Kowalczyk J, Pierscińska J, Wełeszczuk J, Peñarrubia L, Turner B, Pareja J, Porco R, Diaz-Hernandez R, Juanola-Falgarona M, Rey M, Manissero D, Blacha A. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 genetic variability: A post-market surveillance workflow for combined bioinformatic and laboratory evaluation of commercial RT-PCR assay performance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294271. [PMID: 38215170 PMCID: PMC10786374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The speed at which Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mutating has made it necessary to frequently assess how these genomic changes impact the performance of diagnostic real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Herein, we describe a generic three-step workflow to assess the effect of genomic mutations on inclusivity and sensitivity of RT-PCR assays. METHODS Sequences collected from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) were mapped to a SARS-CoV-2 reference genome to evaluate the position and prevalence of mismatches in the oligonucleotide-binding sites of the QIAstat-Dx, an RT-PCR panel designed to detect SARS-CoV-2. The frequency of mutations and their impact on melting temperature were assessed, and sequences flagged by risk-based criteria were examined in vitro. RESULTS Out of 8,900,393 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences analyzed, only 173 (0.0019%) genomes contained potentially critical mutations for the QIAstat-Dx; follow-up in-vitro testing confirmed no impact on the assays' performance. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants do not affect the performance of the QIAstat-Dx device. It is recommended that manufacturers incorporate this workflow into obligatory post-marketing surveillance activities, as this approach could potentially enhance genetic monitoring of their product.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Josep Pareja
- QIAGEN (Previously STAT-Dx Life S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Porco
- QIAGEN (Previously STAT-Dx Life S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Melisa Rey
- QIAGEN (Previously STAT-Dx Life S.L.), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Blacha
- QIAGEN Manchester Ltd, CityLabs, Manchester, United Kingdom
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7
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McCracken GR, Gaston D, Pettipas J, Loder A, Majer A, Grudeski E, Labbé G, Joy BK, Patriquin G, LeBlanc JJ. Neglected SARS-CoV-2 variants and potential concerns for molecular diagnostics: a framework for nucleic acid amplification test target site quality assurance. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0076123. [PMID: 37815347 PMCID: PMC10715164 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00761-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic but as the pandemic evolved, so did SARS-CoV-2. This virus acquired mutations, prompting concerns that mutations could compromise molecular test results and be falsely negative. While some manufacturers may have in-house programs for monitoring mutations that could impact their assay performance, it is important to promptly report mutations in circulating viral strains that could adversely impact a diagnostic test result. However, commercial test target sites are proprietary, making independent monitoring difficult. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 test target sites were sequenced to monitor and assess mutations impact, and 29 novel mutations impacting SARS-CoV-2 detection were identified. This framework for molecular test target site quality assurance could be adapted to any molecular test, ensuring accurate diagnostic test results and disease diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R. McCracken
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel Gaston
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Janice Pettipas
- Nova Scotia Provincial Public Health Laboratory Network (PPHLN), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Allana Loder
- National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anna Majer
- National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Elsie Grudeski
- National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Geneviève Labbé
- National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bryn K. Joy
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculty of Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Glenn Patriquin
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jason J. LeBlanc
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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8
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Yari P, Liang S, Chugh VK, Rezaei B, Mostufa S, Krishna VD, Saha R, Cheeran MCJ, Wang JP, Gómez-Pastora J, Wu K. Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 and Future Epidemics. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15419-15449. [PMID: 37826859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Yari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Vinit Kumar Chugh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bahareh Rezaei
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Shahriar Mostufa
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Venkatramana Divana Krishna
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Renata Saha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Maxim C-J Cheeran
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Jian-Ping Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jenifer Gómez-Pastora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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9
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Lütgehetmann M, Albert E, Hamilton A, Jarem D, Pfefferle S, Stucki H, Navarro D. Evaluation of a Quantitative Dual-Target EBV DNA Test on a Fully Automated Molecular Testing System. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0051823. [PMID: 37432105 PMCID: PMC10446858 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00518-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The measurement of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is key to diagnosing and managing EBV-associated complications in transplant recipients. The performance of the new Conformité Européenne (CE) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared quantitative Roche cobas EBV real-time PCR assay was determined by using EDTA-plasma dilution panels and clinical samples that were spiked with either the World Health Organization's EBV international standard or high-titer EBV lambda stock. Correlation with the Abbott Realtime EBV assay was assessed in clinical specimens and conducted at two independent laboratories. An in silico analysis revealed that the dual-target test (EBNA1 and BMRF2) was 100% inclusive for the known diversity of EBV. The overall limit of detection (LoD) was 16.6 IU/mL for genotype 1 (GT1). GT2 LoD was verified at 18.8 IU/mL. The linear ranges were from 1.40 × 101 to 2.30 × 108 IU/mL and from 2.97 × 101 to 9.90 × 107 IU/mL for GT1 and GT2, respectively. Accuracy was confirmed across the linear range (mean difference not exceeding ±0.18 log10). Precision was not influenced by the factors analyzed (standard deviation of 0.02 to 0.17 log10), including the presence of potentially interfering endogenous or exogenous substances. Plasma samples were stable under several conditions (variable time points, storage, and freeze/thaw cycles). In clinical EBV DNA-positive samples, correlation between the cobas EBV test and the comparator was high (n = 126 valid results; R2 = 0.96) with a 0.1 mean log10 titer difference. The cobas EBV test is an accurate, sensitive, specific, and reproducible assay for the detection of EBV DNAemia in plasma. In general, high levels of automation and calibration to the international standard will lead to improvements in the harmonization of quantitative EBV DNA test results across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliseo Albert
- Hospital Clínico Universitario, Fundación INCLIVA, School of Medicine, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Jarem
- Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, California, USA
| | | | - Heinz Stucki
- Roche Diagnostics International, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - David Navarro
- Hospital Clínico Universitario, Fundación INCLIVA, School of Medicine, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Ladner JT, Sahl JW. Towards a post-pandemic future for global pathogen genome sequencing. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002225. [PMID: 37527248 PMCID: PMC10393143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen genome sequencing has become a routine part of our response to active outbreaks of infectious disease and should be an important part of our preparations for future epidemics. In this Essay, we discuss the innovations that have enabled routine pathogen genome sequencing, as well as how genome sequences can be used to understand and control the spread of infectious disease. We also explore the impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on the field of pathogen genomics and outline the challenges we must address to further improve the utility of pathogen genome sequencing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Ladner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jason W Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
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11
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Dong T, Wang M, Liu J, Ma P, Pang S, Liu W, Liu A. Diagnostics and analysis of SARS-CoV-2: current status, recent advances, challenges and perspectives. Chem Sci 2023; 14:6149-6206. [PMID: 37325147 PMCID: PMC10266450 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06665c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The disastrous spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has induced severe public healthcare issues and weakened the global economy significantly. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is not as fatal as the initial outbreak, many infected victims suffer from long COVID. Therefore, rapid and large-scale testing is critical in managing patients and alleviating its transmission. Herein, we review the recent advances in techniques to detect SARS-CoV-2. The sensing principles are detailed together with their application domains and analytical performances. In addition, the advantages and limits of each method are discussed and analyzed. Besides molecular diagnostics and antigen and antibody tests, we also review neutralizing antibodies and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further, the characteristics of the mutational locations in the different variants with epidemiological features are summarized. Finally, the challenges and possible strategies are prospected to develop new assays to meet different diagnostic needs. Thus, this comprehensive and systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 detection technologies may provide insightful guidance and direction for developing tools for the diagnosis and analysis of SARS-CoV-2 to support public healthcare and effective long-term pandemic management and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Dong
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
- School of Pharmacy, Medical College, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
| | - Junchong Liu
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
| | - Pengxin Ma
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
| | - Shuang Pang
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
| | - Wanjian Liu
- Qingdao Hightop Biotech Co., Ltd 369 Hedong Road, Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone Qingdao 266112 China
| | - Aihua Liu
- Institute for Chemical Biology & Biosensing, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University 308 Ningxia Road Qingdao 266071 China
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12
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Cabrera Alvargonzález J, Larrañaga Janeiro A, Pérez Castro S, Martínez Torres J, Martínez Lamas L, Daviña Nuñez C, Del Campo-Pérez V, Suarez Luque S, Regueiro García B, Porteiro Fresco J. Proof of concept of the potential of a machine learning algorithm to extract new information from conventional SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR results. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7786. [PMID: 37179356 PMCID: PMC10182547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been and remains one of the major challenges modern society has faced thus far. Over the past few months, large amounts of information have been collected that are only now beginning to be assimilated. In the present work, the existence of residual information in the massive numbers of rRT-PCRs that tested positive out of the almost half a million tests that were performed during the pandemic is investigated. This residual information is believed to be highly related to a pattern in the number of cycles that are necessary to detect positive samples as such. Thus, a database of more than 20,000 positive samples was collected, and two supervised classification algorithms (a support vector machine and a neural network) were trained to temporally locate each sample based solely and exclusively on the number of cycles determined in the rRT-PCR of each individual. Overall, this study suggests that there is valuable residual information in the rRT-PCR positive samples that can be used to identify patterns in the development of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The successful application of supervised classification algorithms to detect these patterns demonstrates the potential of machine learning techniques to aid in understanding the spread of the virus and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cabrera Alvargonzález
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), Sergas, Vigo, Spain
- Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Pérez Castro
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), Sergas, Vigo, Spain
- Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez Torres
- Applied Mathematics I, Telecommunications Engineering School, Universidad de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Lucía Martínez Lamas
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), Sergas, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Daviña Nuñez
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Víctor Del Campo-Pérez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Silvia Suarez Luque
- Dirección Xeral de Saúde Pública, Consellería de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Benito Regueiro García
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), Sergas, Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Medicine and Odontology, Universidade de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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13
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Pernet O, Weisenhaus M, Stafylis C, Williams C, Campan M, Pettersson J, Green N, Lee DM, Thomas PD, Ward P, Hu H, Klausner JD, Kovacs AAZ. SARS-CoV-2 viral variants can rapidly be identified for clinical decision making and population surveillance using a high-throughput digital droplet PCR assay. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7612. [PMID: 37165019 PMCID: PMC10170421 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic surveillance of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants is essential to assess impact on clinical outcomes and vaccine efficacy. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), the gold-standard to identify variants, requires significant infrastructure and expertise. We developed a digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay that can rapidly identify circulating variants of concern/interest (VOC/VOI) using variant-specific mutation combinations in the Spike gene. To validate the assay, 800 saliva samples known to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR were used. During the study (July 2020-March 2022) the assay was easily adaptable to identify not only existing circulating VAC/VOI, but all new variants as they evolved. The assay can discriminate nine variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Eta, Epsilon, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron) and sub-lineages (Delta 417N, Omicron BA.1, BA.2). Sequence analyses confirmed variant type for 124/124 samples tested. This ddPCR assay is an inexpensive, sensitive, high-throughput assay that can easily be adapted as new variants are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Pernet
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Maia Weisenhaus
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chrysovalantis Stafylis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Williams
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Bioinformatics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mihaela Campan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in Keck, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonas Pettersson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in Keck, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Green
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David M Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul D Thomas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Bioinformatics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Ward
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in Keck, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrea A Z Kovacs
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine in Keck, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Yamashita K, Taniguchi T, Niizeki N, Nagao Y, Suzuki A, Toguchi A, Takebayashi S, Ishikawa J, Nagura O, Furuhashi K, Iwaizumi M, Maekawa M. Cycle Threshold (Ct) Values of SARS-CoV-2 Detected with the GeneXpert ® System and a Mutation Associated with Different Target Gene Failure. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4124-4134. [PMID: 37232731 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection tests enable rapid virus detection; however, it is challenging to identify genotypes to comprehend the local epidemiology and infection routes in real-time qRT-PCR. At the end of June 2022, our hospital experienced an in-hospital cluster of COVID-19. When examined using the GeneXpert® System, the cycle threshold (Ct) value of the N2 region of the nucleocapsid gene of SARS-CoV-2 was approximately 10 cycles higher than that of the envelope gene. Sanger sequencing revealed a G29179T mutation in the primer and probe binding sites. A review of past test results revealed differences in Ct values in 21 of 345 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, of which 17 cases were cluster-related and 4 were not. Including these 21 cases, 36 cases in total were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The viral genomes in the cluster-related cases were identified as BA.2.10, and those in the non-cluster cases were closely related and classified as being downstream of BA.2.10 and other lineages. Although WGS can provide comprehensive information, its use is limited in various laboratory settings. A measurement platform reporting and comparing Ct values of different target genes can improve test accuracy, enhance our understanding of infection spread, and be applied to the quality control of reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Yamashita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Terumi Taniguchi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Noriyasu Niizeki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yuki Nagao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Toguchi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Shiori Takebayashi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Jinko Ishikawa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Osanori Nagura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuki Furuhashi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Moriya Iwaizumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masato Maekawa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
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15
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Hart JJ, Jamison MN, McNair JN, Szlag DC. Frequency and degradation of SARS-CoV-2 markers N1, N2, and E in sewage. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:514-524. [PMID: 37119151 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that is mainly spread through aerosolized droplets containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is excreted in feces by infected individuals. Sewage surveillance has been applied widely to obtain data on the prevalence of COVID-19 in whole communities. We used SARS-CoV-2 gene targets N1, N2, and E to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 at both municipal and building levels. Frequency analysis of wastewater testing indicated that single markers detected only 85% or less of samples that were detected as positive for SARS-CoV-2 with the three markers combined, indicating the necessity of pairing markers to lower the false-negative rate. The best pair of markers in both municipal and building level monitoring was N1 and N2, which correctly identified 98% of positive samples detected with the three markers combined. The degradation rates of all three targets were assessed at two different temperatures (25 and 35 °C) as a possible explanation for observed differences between markers in frequency. Results indicated that all three RNA targets degrade at nearly the same rate, indicating that differences in degradation rate are not responsible for the observed differences in marker frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Hart
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr, Rochester, MI 48309, USA E-mail: ; Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Megan N Jamison
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr, Rochester, MI 48309, USA E-mail: ; The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - James N McNair
- Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - David C Szlag
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr, Rochester, MI 48309, USA E-mail:
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16
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Nyagupe C, de Oliveira Martins L, Gumbo H, Mashe T, Takawira T, Maeka KK, Juru A, Chikanda LK, Tauya AR, Page AJ, Kingsley RA, Simbi R, Chirenda J, Manasa J, Ruhanya V, Mavenyengwa RT. SARS-CoV-2 mutations on diagnostic gene targets in the second wave in Zimbabwe: A retrospective genomic analysis. S Afr Med J 2023; 113:141-147. [PMID: 36876349 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2023.v113i3.16762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 continues to be a major issue in resource-limited settings, particularly owing to the limited supply of vaccinescaused by inequitable distribution. OBJECTIVE To monitor diagnostic gene targets to identify potential test failures caused by mutations, which is important for public health. METHODS Here we analysed the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from the second wave in Zimbabwe. A total of 377 samples weresequenced at Quadram Institute Bioscience. After quality control, 192 sequences passed and were analysed. RESULTS The Beta variant was dominant during this period, contributing 77.6% (149) of the genomes sequenced and having a total of 2994mutations in diagnostic polymerase chain reaction target genes. Many single nucleotide polymorphism mutations resulted in amino acidsubstitution that had the potential to impact viral fitness by increasing the rate of transmission or evading the immune response to previousinfection or vaccination. CONCLUSION There were nine lineages circulating in Zimbabwe during the second wave. The B.1.351 was dominant, accounting for >75%.There were over 3 000 mutations on the diagnostic genes and lineage B.1.351, contributing almost two-thirds of the mutations. The S-genehad the most mutations and the E-gene was the least mutated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nyagupe
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | | | - H Gumbo
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - T Mashe
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - T Takawira
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - K K Maeka
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - A Juru
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - L K Chikanda
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - A R Tauya
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - A J Page
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK.
| | | | - R Simbi
- Directorate of Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - J Chirenda
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - J Manasa
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - V Ruhanya
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - R T Mavenyengwa
- Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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17
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Yang H, Zhang Y, Teng X, Hou H, Deng R, Li J. CRISPR-based nucleic acid diagnostics for pathogens. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 160:116980. [PMID: 36818498 PMCID: PMC9922438 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic infection remains the primary threat to human health, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to develop rapid, sensitive and multiplexed tools for detecting pathogens and their mutated variants, particularly the tailor-made strategies for point-of-care diagnosis allowing for use in resource-constrained settings. The rapidly evolving CRISPR/Cas systems have provided a powerful toolbox for pathogenic diagnostics via nucleic acid tests. In this review, we firstly describe the resultant promising class 2 (single, multidomain effector) and recently explored class 1 (multisubunit effector complexes) CRISPR tools. We present diverse engineering nucleic acid diagnostics based on CRISPR/Cas systems for pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi, and highlight the application for detecting viral variants and drug-resistant bacteria enabled by CRISPR-based mutation profiling. Finally, we discuss the challenges involved in on-site diagnostic assays and present emerging CRISPR systems and CRISPR cascade that potentially enable multiplexed and preamplification-free pathogenic diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China,Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450003, China,Beijing Institute of Life Science and Technology, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Ruijie Deng
- College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China,Corresponding author
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China,Corresponding author
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18
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Jiang M, Chen W, Chen Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Yin H, Li Y, Liu W. Analytical performance of rapid nucleic acid detection assays and routine RT-qPCR assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Shanghai, China in 2022. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 105:115860. [PMID: 36459887 PMCID: PMC9708047 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy of COVID-19 varies among different assays. In this study, the analytical performance of 1 rapid nucleic acid detection assay (Coyote assay) and 2 routine RT-qPCR assays (BioGerm assay and DaAn assay) was evaluated, using 1196 clinical samples. Disagreement in the results of 2 paired targets occurred in all 3 assays. The Coyote assay failed to detect 15 samples, and the DaAn assay failed to detect 5 samples. The Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.970 between the BioGerm and DaAn assays, 0.907 between the Coyote and BioGerm assays, and 0.936 between the Coyote and DaAn assays. The positive percent agreement, and negative percent agreement of the Coyote assay were 84.04%, and 100%, respectively. Our study revealed that the results of the Coyote, BioGerm, and DaAn assays were highly consistent, which provided reference for the application of these assays for diagnosis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Nephropathy, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Burnet JB, Cauchie HM, Walczak C, Goeders N, Ogorzaly L. Persistence of endogenous RNA biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV in raw wastewater: Impact of temperature and implications for wastewater-based epidemiology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159401. [PMID: 36240930 PMCID: PMC9554201 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers in wastewater should guide wastewater-based epidemiology users in selecting best RNA biomarkers for reliable detection of the virus during current and future waves of the pandemic. In the present study, the persistence of endogenous SARS-CoV-2 were assessed during one month for six different RNA biomarkers and for the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) at three different temperatures (4, 12 and 20 °C) in one wastewater sample. All SARS-CoV-2 RNA biomarkers were consistently detected during 6 days at 4° and differences in signal persistence among RNA biomarkers were mostly observed at 20 °C with N biomarkers being globally more persistent than RdRP, E and ORF1ab ones. SARS-CoV-2 signal persistence further decreased in a temperature dependent manner. At 12 and 20 °C, RNA biomarker losses of 1-log10 occurred on average after 6 and 4 days, and led to a complete signal loss after 13 and 6 days, respectively. Besides the effect of temperature, SARS-CoV-2 RNA signals were more persistent in the particulate phase compared to the aqueous one. Finally, PMMoV RNA signal was highly persistent in both phases and significantly differed from that of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers. We further provide a detailed overview of the latest literature on SARS-CoV-2 and PMMoV decay rates in sewage matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Burnet
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Cécile Walczak
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Goeders
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research & Innovation Department, 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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20
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Jiang C, Jiang K, Li X, Zhang N, Zhu W, Meng L, Zhang Y, Lu S. Evaluation of immunoprotection against coronavirus disease 2019: Novel variants, vaccine inoculation, and complications. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:1-10. [PMID: 36317070 PMCID: PMC9605787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The strikingly rapidly mutating nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome has been a constant challenge during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, various techniques, including reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests, and high-throughput sequencing were analyzed under different scenarios and spectra for the etiological diagnosis of COVID-19 at the population scale. This study aimed to summarize the latest research progress and provide up-to-date understanding of the methodology used for the evaluation of the immunoprotection conditions against future variants of SARS-CoV-2. Our novel work reviewed the current methods for the evaluation of the immunoprotection status of a specific population (endogenous antibodies) before and after vaccine inoculation (administered with biopharmaceutical antibody products). The present knowledge of the immunoprotection status regarding the COVID-19 complications was also discussed. Knowledge on the immunoprotection status of specific populations can help guide the design of pharmaceutical antibody products, inform practice guidelines, and develop national regulations with respect to the timing of and need for extra rounds of vaccine boosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Jiang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, China
| | - Kaichong Jiang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- National Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnostics and Biotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- National Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnostics and Biotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China,Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liesu Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China,Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Shemin Lu
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, China,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China,Corresponding author. National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710003, China.
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21
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Alquraan L, Alzoubi KH, Rababa'h SY. Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on disease diagnosis and severity. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2023; 39:101256. [PMID: 37131549 PMCID: PMC10127666 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2023.101256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous variations of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), including D614G, B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom), B.1.1.28 (Brazil P1, P2), CAL.20C (Southern California), B.1.351 (South Africa), B.1.617 (B.1.617.1 Kappa & Delta B.1.617.2) and B.1.1.529, have been reported worldwide. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein is involved in virus-cell binding, where virus-neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) react. Novel variants in the S-protein could maximize viral affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and increase virus transmission. Molecular detection with false-negative results may refer to mutations in the part of the virus's genome used for virus diagnosis. Furthermore, these changes in S-protein structure alter the neutralizing ability of NAbs, resulting in a reduction in vaccine efficiency. Further information is needed to evaluate how new mutations may affect vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiali Alquraan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Suzie Y Rababa'h
- Department of Medical Science, Irbid Faculty, Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU), Irbid, Jordan
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22
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Design and Implementation of Improved SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Assays To Mitigate the Impact of Genomic Mutations on Target Failure: the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Experience. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0135522. [PMID: 36255326 PMCID: PMC9769917 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01355-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enabled manufacturers to request emergency use authorization (EUA) to facilitate the rapid authorization of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) platforms for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Uncommon SARS-CoV-2 point mutations could cause nucleocapsid (N) gene target failure (NGTF) when using first-generation Xpert Xpress assays, so improvements were designed and implemented. In response to NGTF reports and with consideration of viral genomic information in public databases, the Xpress assays were redesigned to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on qualitative assay performance. The second-generation assays include a third gene target (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [RdRp]) and redundant oligonucleotide probes for the N2 target. First- and second-generation assay performances were evaluated using a challenge set of samples. A second-generation assay with updated oligonucleotide chemistry received FDA EUA in September 2021. A prototype assay with oligonucleotide chemistry similar to that of the second-generation assay with FDA EUA successfully detected all three gene targets (N2, envelope [E], and RdRp) in all challenge samples (100%; 50/50), including variants with N gene mutations (g.29197C>T or g.29200C>T), which caused NGTF in the first-generation assays. Investigation and reporting of IVD target failures, public sharing of viral genomic sequence data, and the FDA EUA pathway were essential components in facilitating a short cycle time from the identification of mutations that impact the performance of an IVD assay to the design and implementation of an improved IVD assay. IMPORTANCE The SARS-CoV-2 genome has mutated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some of these mutations have impacted the performance of nucleic acid amplification tests like PCR, which are commonly used as diagnostic tools to detect an infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) process enables the rapid reformulation and regulatory authorization of improved PCRs. In our experience, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 mutations that impact PCR performance, the subsequent development of improved PCR chemistry, and the use of the FDA EUA regulatory pathway led to improved diagnostic performance during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that is able to keep pace with the rapidly evolving genome of SARS-CoV-2.
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23
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SARS-CoV-2 Variants Identification: Overview of Molecular Existing Methods. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091058. [PMID: 36145490 PMCID: PMC9504725 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic the Real Time sharing of genome sequences of circulating virus supported the diagnostics and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and its transmission dynamics. SARS-CoV-2 straightaway showed its tendency to mutate and adapt to the host, culminating in the emergence of variants; so it immediately became of crucial importance to be able to detect them quickly but also to be able to monitor in depth the changes on the whole genome to early identify the new possibly emerging variants. In this scenario, this manuscript aims to provide an overview of the existing methods for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants (from rapid method based on identification of one or more specific mutations to Whole Genome sequencing approach-WGS), taking into account limitations, advantages and applications of them in the field of diagnosis and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
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24
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Manohar C, Sun J, Schlag P, Santini C, Fontecha M, Lötscher P, Bier C, Goepfert K, Duncan D, Spier G, Jarem D, Kosarikov D. Agile design and development of a high throughput cobas SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR diagnostic test. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10591. [PMID: 36120497 PMCID: PMC9464314 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic testing is essential for management of the COVID-19 pandemic. An agile assay design methodology, optimized for the cobas® 6800/8800 system, was used to develop a dual-target, qualitative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test using commercially available reagents and existing sample processing and thermocycling profiles. The limit of detection was 30–52 copies/mL for USA-WA1/2020. Assay sensitivity was confirmed for SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Kappa. The coefficients of variation of the cycle threshold number (Ct) were between 1.1 and 2.2%. There was no difference in Ct using nasopharyngeal compared to oropharyngeal swabs in universal transport medium (UTM). A small increase in Ct was observed with specimens collected in cobas PCR medium compared to UTM. In silico analysis indicated that the dual-target test is capable of detecting all >1,800,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences in the GISAID database. Our agile assay design approach facilitated rapid development and deployment of this SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Manohar
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | - Jingtao Sun
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | - Peter Schlag
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | - Chris Santini
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | | | | | - Carolin Bier
- Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | | | - Dana Duncan
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | - Gene Spier
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
| | - Daniel Jarem
- Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, United States
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25
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Alkhatib M, Carioti L, D’Anna S, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Svicher V, Salpini R. SARS-CoV-2 Mutations and Variants May Muddle the Sensitivity of COVID-19 Diagnostic Assays. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1559. [PMID: 36013977 PMCID: PMC9414863 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance of diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays can be impacted by SARS-CoV-2 variability as this is dependent on the full complementarity between PCR primers/probes and viral target templates. Here, we investigate the genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 regions recognized by primers/probes utilized by PCR diagnostic assays based on nucleotide mismatching analysis. We evaluated the genetic variation in the binding regions of 73 primers/probes targeting the Nucleocapsid (N, N = 36), Spike (S, N = 22), and RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase/Helicase (RdRp/Hel, N = 15) of the publicly available PCR-based assays. Over 4.9 million high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were retrieved from GISAID and were divided into group-A (all except Omicron, >4.2 million) and group-B (only Omicron, >558 thousand). In group-A sequences, a large range of variability in primers/probes binding regions in most PCR assays was observed. Particularly, 87.7% (64/73) of primers/probes displayed ≥1 mismatch with their viral targets, while 8.2% (6/73) contained ≥2 mismatches and 2.7% (2/73) contained ≥3 mismatches. In group-B sequences, 32.9% (24/73) of primers/probes were characterized by ≥1 mismatch, 13.7% (10/73) by ≥2 mismatches, and 5.5% (4/73) by ≥3 mismatches. The high rate of single and multiple mismatches- found in the target regions of molecular assays used worldwide for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis reinforces the need to optimize and constantly update these assays according to SARS-CoV-2 genetic evolution and the future emergence of novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; mohammad-- (M.A.); (L.C.); (S.D.); (F.C.-S.); (V.S.)
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26
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Sit BHM, Po KHL, Cheung YY, Tsang AKL, Leung PKL, Zheng J, Lam AYT, Lam ETK, Ng KHL, Chan RCW. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 VOC-Omicron using commercial sample-to-answer real-time RT-PCR platforms and melting curve-based SNP assays. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2022; 2:100091. [PMID: 35761832 PMCID: PMC9213017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2022.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The World Health Organization (WHO) had designated the SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.529 as the new Variant of Concern Omicron (VOC-Omicron) on 26th November 20211. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) tests were widely employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 and its variant. Yet, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection performance of commercial real-time RT-PCR platforms and SARS-CoV-2 spike SNP assays remain to be elucidated. Methods In the first part of this study, we evaluated the VOC-Omicron detection performance of three commercial RT-PCR sample-to-answer platforms i.e. Roche cobas® 6800/8800, Roche cobas® Liat®, and Cepheid GeneXpert® systems. The detection performances were compared to one commercial conventional real-time RT-PCR assay (TIB MOLBIOL LightMix Modular SARS and Wuhan CoV E-gene) and one in-house real-time RT-PCR assay targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene of SARS-CoV-2 in the WHO COVID-19 Reference Laboratory at Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In the second part of this study, we evaluated the SNP detection performance of four TIB MOLBIOL melting curve-based assays (1. Spike S371L/S373P, 2. Spike E484A, 3. Spike E484K and 4. Spike N501Y) in clinical samples obtained from hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong. The SNP results were compared to whole genome sequences generated by Illumina platform. Results The VOC-Omicron detection limits of three commercial sample-to-answer assays were tested to be ≤ 2.35 Log10 dC/ml. The detection performances of the sample-to-answer platforms were comparable to the two tested conventional real-time RT-PCR assays. The test sensitivities of TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L/S373P assay and the Spike E484A assays were 100% and 96.6% respectively and the test specificities of both assays were 100%. An aberrant melting peak at Tm 42-44°C was observed when the specimens with Omicron variant were tested with the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484K assay. Notably, the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike N501Y assay failed to detect the spike N501Y mutation of Omicron variant in the tested specimens. Conclusions The SARS-CoV-2 detection sensitivity of three commercial platforms, Roche cobas® 6800/8800, Roche cobas® Liat®, and Cepheid GeneXpert® systems were shown not to be impacted by the large number of mutations of VOC-Omicron. Also, the signature mutations i.e. Spike S371L/Spike S373P and Spike E484A in VOC-Omicron were correctly identified by the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L/S373P and VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484A assays. Unexpected findings including a shifted melting peak or absence of amplification curve/melting peak were observed when specimens with Omicron variant were tested with the TIB MOLBIOL VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike E484K assay and Spike N501Y assay, suggesting a potential alert for Omicron variant, prior confirmation by whole genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H M Sit
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kathy Hiu Laam Po
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk-Yam Cheung
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alan K L Tsang
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patricia K L Leung
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J Zheng
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alison Y T Lam
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edman T K Lam
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ken H L Ng
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rickjason C W Chan
- Microbiology Division, Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
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27
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Juul S, Spiegelhauer MR, Petersen MN, Flugt KK, Hansen NV, Larsen H, Jensen PB, Christensen UB, Petersen RK, Friis-Hansen L. Validation and advantages of using novel RT-qPCR melting curve analysis assays for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13069. [PMID: 35906388 PMCID: PMC9338320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17339-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays are gold standard in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection and play a major role in viral subtyping for rapid detection and monitoring of important mutations, containing the spread of new virus variants. We wanted to compare RT-qPCR melting curve analysis assays to Sanger Sequencing for detection of variants within the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and examined their sensitivity and specificity. Samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 663 + 82) were subtyped using both Sanger sequencing and five RT-qPCR melting curve analysis assays specific for the mutations N501Y, P681H, E484K, K417N/T, and N439K. The results of the two methods were compared. The training cohort and the clinical validation cohort showed equally, or significantly better sensitivity of the assays compared to the Sanger sequencing. The agreement of the Sanger sequencing and the assays ranged from 92.6 to 100% for the training cohort and 99.4-100% for the clinical validation. The sensitivity, specificity, and turn-around time of the RT-qPCR melting curve analysis assays are well-suited for clinical monitoring of VOCs, making the assays an important tool in contact tracing and risk stratification. Furthermore, the assays were able to indicate the presence of new mutations in the complementary sequence to the mutation-specific probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Juul
- Research & Development, Pentabase A/S, Petersmindevej 1A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | | | - Mette Neve Petersen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Helene Larsen
- Center for Diagnostics, DTU Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Per Bo Jensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Denmark
| | - Ulf Bech Christensen
- Research & Development, Pentabase A/S, Petersmindevej 1A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | | | - Lennart Friis-Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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29
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Almeida LT, Gonçalves AB, Franco-Luiz APM, Silva TBDS, Alves PA, Monte-Neto RLD. Molecular detection of omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant is achieved by RT-LAMP despite genomic mutations. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220050. [PMID: 35766650 PMCID: PMC9219828 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) omicron variant was first detected in South Africa in November 2021. Since then, the number of cases due to this variant increases enormously every day in different parts of the world. Mutations within omicron genome may impair the molecular detection resulting in false negative results during Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To verify if colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) targeting N and E genes would work efficiently to detect omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sub-lineages. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) positive samples were sequenced by next generation DNA sequencing. The consensus sequences generated were submitted to Pangolin tool for SARS-CoV-2 lineage identification. RT-LAMP reactions were performed at 65ºC/30 min targeting N and E. FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 omicron can be detected by RT-LAMP targeting N and E genes despite the genomic mutation of this more transmissible lineage. Omicron SARS-CoV-2 sub-lineages were tested and efficiently detected by RT-LAMP. We demonstrated that this test is very sensitive in detecting omicron variant, with LoD as low as 0.4 copies/µL. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Molecular detection of omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sub-lineages can be achieved by RT-LAMP despite the genomic mutations as a very sensitive surveillance tool for COVID-19 molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Trindade Almeida
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Biotecnologia Aplicada a Patógenos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Amanda Bonoto Gonçalves
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Biotecnologia Aplicada a Patógenos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Ana Paula Moreira Franco-Luiz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Biotecnologia Aplicada a Patógenos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Pedro Augusto Alves
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Imunologia de Doenças Virais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Rubens Lima do Monte-Neto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto René Rachou, Biotecnologia Aplicada a Patógenos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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30
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Hong KH, Kim GJ, Roh KH, Sung H, Lee J, Kim SY, Kim TS, Park JS, Huh HJ, Park Y, Kim JS, Kim HS, Seong MW, Ryoo NH, Song SH, Lee H, Kwon GC, Yoo CK. Update of Guidelines for Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Korea. Ann Lab Med 2022; 42:391-397. [PMID: 35177559 PMCID: PMC8859556 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2022.42.4.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Korea Disease Prevention and Control Agency have announced guidelines for diagnosing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in clinical laboratories in Korea. With the ongoing pandemic, we propose an update of the previous guidelines based on new scientific data. This update includes recommendations for tests that were not included in the previous guidelines, including the rapid molecular test, antigen test, antibody test, and self-collected specimens, and a revision of the previous recommendations. This update will aid clinical laboratories in performing laboratory tests for diagnosing COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Ho Hong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gab Jung Kim
- Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Osong, Korea
| | - Kyoung Ho Roh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Heungsup Sung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaehyeon Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taek Soo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Sun Park
- Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Osong, Korea
| | - Hee Jae Huh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Younhee Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Seok Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Moon-Woo Seong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Hee Ryoo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyukmin Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gye Cheol Kwon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Cheon Kwon Yoo
- Bureau of Infectious Disease Diagnosis Control, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Osong, Korea
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Tembo J, Egbe NF, Maluzi K, Mulonga K, Chilufya M, Kapata N, Mukonka V, Simulundu E, Zumla A, Fwoloshi S, Mulenga L, Pallerla SR, Velavan TP, Bates M. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Zambia. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 120:150-157. [PMID: 35427785 PMCID: PMC9004225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a diagnostic validation study of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic kits. METHODS We compared SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test results from 3 RT-PCR assays used by the Zambian government between November 2020 and February 2021 (Panther Fusion assay, Da An Gene's 2019-nCoV RNA kit and Maccura's PCR Kit) with the Altona RealStar RT-PCR kit which served as the gold standard. We also evaluated results from rapid antigen testing and whether comorbidities were linked with increased odds of infection. RESULTS We recruited 244 participants, 61% (149/244) were positive by at least 1 PCR assay. Da An Gene, Maccura, and Panther Fusion assays had sensitivities of 0.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0%-41%), 27.1% (95% CI 15%-42%), and 76% (95% CI 65%-85%), respectively, but specificity was low (<85% for all 3 assays). HIV and TB were not associated with SARS-CoV-2, whereas female sex (OR 0.5 [0.3-0.9], p = 0.026) and chronic pulmonary disease (0.1 [0.0-0.8], p = 0.031) were associated with lower odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of 44 samples, 84% sequenced were Beta variant. CONCLUSIONS The RT-PCR assays evaluated did not meet WHO recommended minimum sensitivity of 80%. Local diagnostic validation studies should be embedded within preparedness plans for future outbreaks to improve the public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tembo
- HerpeZ, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nkongho Franklyn Egbe
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Nathan Kapata
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sombo Fwoloshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lloyd Mulenga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany,Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Matthew Bates
- HerpeZ, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia,School of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Metsky HC, Welch NL, Pillai PP, Haradhvala NJ, Rumker L, Mantena S, Zhang YB, Yang DK, Ackerman CM, Weller J, Blainey PC, Myhrvold C, Mitzenmacher M, Sabeti PC. Designing sensitive viral diagnostics with machine learning. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1123-1131. [PMID: 35241837 PMCID: PMC9287178 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Design of nucleic acid-based viral diagnostics typically follows heuristic rules and, to contend with viral variation, focuses on a genome's conserved regions. A design process could, instead, directly optimize diagnostic effectiveness using a learned model of sensitivity for targets and their variants. Toward that goal, we screen 19,209 diagnostic-target pairs, concentrated on CRISPR-based diagnostics, and train a deep neural network to accurately predict diagnostic readout. We join this model with combinatorial optimization to maximize sensitivity over the full spectrum of a virus's genomic variation. We introduce Activity-informed Design with All-inclusive Patrolling of Targets (ADAPT), a system for automated design, and use it to design diagnostics for 1,933 vertebrate-infecting viral species within 2 hours for most species and within 24 hours for all but three. We experimentally show that ADAPT's designs are sensitive and specific to the lineage level and permit lower limits of detection, across a virus's variation, than the outputs of standard design techniques. Our strategy could facilitate a proactive resource of assays for detecting pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden C Metsky
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Nicole L Welch
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Virology Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas J Haradhvala
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Biophysics Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laurie Rumker
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics Program, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sreekar Mantena
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yibin B Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David K Yang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheri M Ackerman
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Paul C Blainey
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cameron Myhrvold
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Mitzenmacher
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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Toppings NB, Oberding LK, Lin YC, Evans D, Pillai DR. The Role of Subgenomic RNA in Discordant Results From Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests for COVID-19. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2022; 146:805-813. [PMID: 35380615 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0630-sa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the standard method of diagnosing COVID-19. An inconclusive test result occurs when 1 RT-PCR target is positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 1 RT-PCR target is negative for SARS-CoV-2 within the same sample. An inconclusive result generally requires retesting. One reason why a sample may yield an inconclusive result is that one target is at a higher concentration than another target. OBJECTIVE.— To understand the role of subgenomic RNA transcripts in discordant results from RT-PCR tests for COVID-19. DESIGN.— A panel of 6 droplet digital PCR assays was designed to quantify the ORF1, E-gene, and N-gene of SARS-CoV-2. This panel was used to quantify viral cultures of SARS-CoV-2 that were harvested during the eclipse phase and at peak infectivity. Eleven clinical nasopharyngeal swabs were also tested with this panel. RESULTS.— In culture, infected cells showed higher N-gene/ORF1 copy ratios than culture supernatants. The same trends in the relative abundance of copies across different targets observed in infected cells were observed in clinical samples, although trends were more pronounced in infected cells. CONCLUSIONS.— This study showed that a greater copy number of N-gene relative to E-gene and ORF1 transcripts could potentially explain inconclusive results for some RT-PCR tests on low viral load samples. The use of N-gene RT-PCR target(s) as opposed to ORF1 targets for routine testing is supported by these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Toppings
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases (Toppings, Pillai), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lisa K Oberding
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Oberding, Pillai), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yi-Chan Lin
- From the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Lin, Evans)
| | - David Evans
- From the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Lin, Evans)
| | - Dylan R Pillai
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases (Toppings, Pillai), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Oberding, Pillai), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,From the Clinical Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine (Pillai), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,From the Clinical Section of Microbiology, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Pillai)
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Use of an algorithm based on routine blood laboratory tests to exclude COVID-19 in a screening-setting of healthcare workers. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270548. [PMID: 35763522 PMCID: PMC9239486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic leading to exhaustion of the hospital care system. Our health care system has to deal with a high level of sick leave of health care workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 related complaints, in whom an infection with SARS-CoV-2 has to be ruled out before they can return back to work. The aim of the present study is to investigate if the recently described CoLab-algorithm can be used to exclude COVID-19 in a screening setting of HCWs. Methods In the period from January 2021 till March 2021, HCWs with COVID-19-related complaints were prospectively collected and included in this study. Next to the routinely performed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, using a set of naso- and oropharyngeal swab samples, two blood tubes (one EDTA- and one heparin-tube) were drawn for analysing the 10 laboratory parameters required for running the CoLab-algorithm. Results In total, 726 HCWs with a complete CoLab-laboratory panel were included in this study. In this group, 684 HCWs were tested SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR negative and 42 cases RT-PCR positive. ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.853 (95% CI: 0.801–0.904). At a safe cut-off value for excluding COVID-19 of -6.525, the sensitivity was 100% with a specificity of 34% (95% CI: 21 to 49%). No SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR cases were missed with this cut-off and COVID-19 could be safely ruled out in more than one third of HCWs. Conclusion The CoLab-score is an easy and reliable algorithm that can be used for screening HCWs with COVID-19 related complaints. A major advantage of this approach is that the results of the score are available within 1 hour after collecting the samples. This results in a faster return to labour process of a large part of the COVID-19 negative HCWs (34%), next to a reduction in RT-PCR tests (reagents and labour costs) that can be saved.
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Emergence of a mutation in the nucleocapsid gene of SARS-CoV-2 interferes with PCR detection in Canada. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10867. [PMID: 35760824 PMCID: PMC9237068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was met with rapid development of robust molecular-based detection assays. Many SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests target multiple genetic regions of the virus to maximize detection and protect against diagnostic escape. Despite the relatively moderate mutational rate of SARS-CoV-2, numerous mutations with known negative impact on diagnostic assays have been identified. In early 2021, we identified four samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a nucleocapsid (N) gene drop out on Cepheid Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay. Sequencing revealed a single common mutation in the N gene C29200T. Spatiotemporal analysis showed that the mutation was found in at least six different Canadian provinces from May 2020 until May 2021. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this mutation arose multiple times in Canadian samples and is present in six different variants of interest and of concern. The Cepheid testing platform is commonly used in Canada including in remote regions. As such, the existence of N gene mutation dropouts required further investigation. While commercial SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection assays have contributed immensely to the response effort, many vendors are reluctant to make primer/probe sequences publicly available. Proprietary primer/probe sequences create diagnostic ‘blind spots’ for global SARS-CoV-2 sequence monitoring and limits the ability to detect and track the presence and prevalence of diagnostic escape mutations. We hope that our industry partners will seriously consider making primer/probe sequences available, so that diagnostic escape mutants can be identified promptly and responded to appropriately to maintain diagnostic accuracy.
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Zhang Y, Huang Z, Zhu J, Li C, Fang Z, Chen K, Zhang Y. An updated review of SARS-CoV-2 detection methods in the context of a novel coronavirus pandemic. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10356. [PMID: 35942232 PMCID: PMC9349698 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has reported approximately 430 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), worldwide, including nearly 6 million deaths, since its initial appearance in China in 2019. While the number of diagnosed cases continues to increase, the need for technologies that can accurately and rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 virus infection at early phases continues to grow, and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for virtually hundreds of diagnostic tests based on nucleic acid molecules and antigen-antibody serology assays. Among them, the quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay is considered the gold standard for early phase virus detection. Unfortunately, qRT-PCR still suffers from disadvantages such as the complex test process and the occurrence of false negatives; therefore, new nucleic acid detection devices and serological testing technologies are being developed. However, because of the emergence of strongly infectious mutants of the new coronavirus, such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529), the need for the specific detection of mutant strains is also increasing. Therefore, this article reviews nucleic acid- and antigen-antibody-based serological assays, and compares the performance of some of the most recent FDA-approved and literature-reported assays and associated kits for the specific testing of new coronavirus variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life SciencesWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Chaonan Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zhongbiao Fang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and PreventionHangzhouChina
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Havasi A, Visan S, Cainap C, Cainap SS, Mihaila AA, Pop LA. Influenza A, Influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 Similarities and Differences – A Focus on Diagnosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:908525. [PMID: 35794916 PMCID: PMC9251468 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.908525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In late December 2019, the first cases of viral pneumonia caused by an unidentified pathogen were reported in China. Two years later, SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for almost 450 million cases, claiming more than 6 million lives. The COVID-19 pandemic strained the limits of healthcare systems all across the world. Identifying viral RNA through real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction remains the gold standard in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, equipment cost, availability, and the need for trained personnel limited testing capacity. Through an unprecedented research effort, new diagnostic techniques such as rapid diagnostic testing, isothermal amplification techniques, and next-generation sequencing were developed, enabling accurate and accessible diagnosis. Influenza viruses are responsible for seasonal outbreaks infecting up to a quarter of the human population worldwide. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 present with flu-like symptoms, making the differential diagnosis challenging solely on clinical presentation. Healthcare systems are likely to be faced with overlapping SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza outbreaks. This review aims to present the similarities and differences of both infections while focusing on the diagnosis. We discuss the clinical presentation of Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and techniques available for diagnosis. Furthermore, we summarize available data regarding the multiplex diagnostic assay of both viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Havasi
- Department of Oncology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Visan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Cainap
- Department of Oncology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Sorana Cainap
- Pediatric Clinic No. 2, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Emergency County Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Mother and Child, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Simona Sorana Cainap, ;
| | - Alin Adrian Mihaila
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura-Ancuta Pop
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant N Gene Mutations Reduce Sensitivity to the TaqPath COVID-19 Multiplex Molecular Diagnostic Assay. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061316. [PMID: 35746787 PMCID: PMC9228125 DOI: 10.3390/v14061316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolves, mutations may result in diminished sensitivity to qRT-PCR diagnostic assays. We investigated four polymorphisms circulating in the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage that result in N gene target failure (NGTF) on the TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit. These mutations were detected from the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences that matched with the diagnostic assay results of saliva specimens. Full length N genes from the samples displaying NGTF were cloned into plasmids and assayed using three SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR assays. These constructs resulted in reduced sensitivity to the TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit compared to the controls (mean Ct differences of 3.06, 7.70, 12.46, and 14.12), but were detected equivalently on the TaqPath COVID-19 Fast PCR Combo 2.0 or CDC 2019_nCoV_N2 assays. This work highlights the importance of genomic sequencing to monitor circulating mutations and provide guidance in improving diagnostic assays.
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Rodino KG, Peaper DR, Kelly BJ, Bushman F, Marques A, Adhikari H, Tu ZJ, Marrero Rolon R, Westblade LF, Green DA, Berry GJ, Wu F, Annavajhala MK, Uhlemann AC, Parikh BA, McMillen T, Jani K, Babady NE, Hahn AM, Koch RT, Grubaugh ND, Rhoads DD. Partial ORF1ab Gene Target Failure with Omicron BA.2.12.1. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0060022. [PMID: 35582905 PMCID: PMC9199403 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00600-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 can affect the performance of molecular diagnostic assays. In some cases, such as S-gene target failure, the impact can serve as a unique indicator of a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant and provide a method for rapid detection. Here, we describe partial ORF1ab gene target failure (pOGTF) on the cobas SARS-CoV-2 assays, defined by a ≥2-thermocycle delay in detection of the ORF1ab gene compared to that of the E-gene. We demonstrate that pOGTF is 98.6% sensitive and 99.9% specific for SARS-CoV-2 lineage BA.2.12.1, an emerging variant in the United States with spike L452Q and S704L mutations that may affect transmission, infectivity, and/or immune evasion. Increasing rates of pOGTF closely mirrored rates of BA.2.12.1 sequences uploaded to public databases, and, importantly, increasing local rates of pOGTF also mirrored increasing overall test positivity. Use of pOGTF as a proxy for BA.2.12.1 provides faster tracking of the variant than whole-genome sequencing and can benefit laboratories without sequencing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle G. Rodino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David R. Peaper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brendan J. Kelly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frederic Bushman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew Marques
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hriju Adhikari
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvaniagrid.25879.31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zheng Jin Tu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rebecca Marrero Rolon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicinegrid.471410.7, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lars F. Westblade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicinegrid.471410.7, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicinegrid.471410.7, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel A. Green
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gregory J. Berry
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fann Wu
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Medini K. Annavajhala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anne-Catrin Uhlemann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bijal A. Parikh
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tracy McMillen
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centergrid.51462.34, New York, New York, USA
| | - Krupa Jani
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centergrid.51462.34, New York, New York, USA
| | - N. Esther Babady
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centergrid.51462.34, New York, New York, USA
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centergrid.51462.34, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anne M. Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert T. Koch
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nathan D. Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Daniel D. Rhoads
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Infection Biology Program, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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40
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Ur Rehman M, Sajjad Naqvi S, Ullah R, Arshad N, Ammad M, Ul Ain Q, Razzak A, Yousaf M, Hussain A, Hasan TN. Elucidation of correlation between SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and N gene cycle threshold (Ct) by RT-PCR with age and gender. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 533:42-47. [PMID: 35714938 PMCID: PMC9195597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) is a global public health emergency. Age and gender are two important factors related to the risk and outcome of various diseases. Cycle threshold (Ct) value is believed to have relation with age and gender. Objective This study has been conducted to investigates the association between SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold to age and gender of COVID-19 patients, to investigate whether the population-wide change of SARSCoV2 RTPCR Ct value over time is corelated to the number of new COVID19 cases and to investigate the dynamic of RdRp and N genes. Methods 72,811 individuals from second wave of COVID19, were observed in current study at Pure Health Lab, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Results 15,201/72,811 (21 %) positivity was observed. COVID-19 were more prevalent in males (59.35%) as compared to female (40.65%). The Positivity rate were significantly higher in Male than in Female cases (p-Value = 0.04). The Ct values for both targets of all the samples were ranged from 4.57 to 29.73. Longitudinal analysis showed significant increased during the study period from starting to end as were hypothesized. Interestingly, both the targets (RdRp and N) were present in age < 1 year. Which may indicate that mutated strains are not prevalent in children’s < 1 year. Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in viral loads in between age-groups. Males were tending to higher viral load compared to females. The findings have implications for preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mati Ur Rehman
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Syed Sajjad Naqvi
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Rooh Ullah
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Narmeen Arshad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Muhammad Ammad
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Qurat Ul Ain
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Anam Razzak
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Muhammad Yousaf
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Science, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Tarique N Hasan
- Pure Health Laboratory, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; School of Life Science, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, UAE.
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41
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Abstract
A fast and highly specific detection of COVID-19 infections is essential in managing the virus dissemination networks. The most relevant technologies developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection, along with their advantages and limitations, will be presented and fully explored. Additionally, some of the newest and emerging COVID-19 diagnosis tools, such as biosensing platforms, will also be introduced. Considering the extreme relevance that all these technologies assume in pandemic control, it is of the utmost relevance to have an intrinsic knowledge of the parameters that need to be taken into consideration before choosing the most adequate test for a particular situation. Moreover, the new variants of the virus and their potential impact on the detection method’s effectiveness will be discussed. In order to better manage the pandemic, it is essential to maintain continuous research into the SARS-CoV-2 genome and updated genomic surveillance at the global level. This will allow for timely detection of new mutations and viral variants, which may affect the performance of COVID-19 detection tests.
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42
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Chrzastek K, Tennakoon C, Bialy D, Freimanis G, Flannery J, Shelton H. A random priming amplification method for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:406. [PMID: 35644636 PMCID: PMC9148844 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-targeted whole genome sequencing is a powerful tool to comprehensively identify constituents of microbial communities in a sample. There is no need to direct the analysis to any identification before sequencing which can decrease the introduction of bias and false negatives results. It also allows the assessment of genetic aberrations in the genome (e.g., single nucleotide variants, deletions, insertions and copy number variants) including in noncoding protein regions. METHODS The performance of four different random priming amplification methods to recover RNA viral genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 were compared in this study. In method 1 (H-P) the reverse transcriptase (RT) step was performed with random hexamers whereas in methods 2-4 RT incorporating an octamer primer with a known tag. In methods 1 and 2 (K-P) sequencing was applied on material derived from the RT-PCR step, whereas in methods 3 (SISPA) and 4 (S-P) an additional amplification was incorporated before sequencing. RESULTS The SISPA method was the most effective and efficient method for non-targeted/random priming whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 that we tested. The SISPA method described in this study allowed for whole genome assembly of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in mixed samples. We determined the limit of detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 virus which was 103 pfu/ml (Ct, 22.4) for whole genome assembly and 101 pfu/ml (Ct, 30) for metagenomics detection. CONCLUSIONS The SISPA method is predominantly useful for obtaining genome sequences from RNA viruses or investigating complex clinical samples as no prior sequence information is needed. It might be applied to monitor genomic virus changes, virus evolution and can be used for fast metagenomics detection or to assess the general picture of different pathogens within the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dagmara Bialy
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, UK
| | | | - John Flannery
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, UK
| | - Holly Shelton
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, UK.
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43
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Negrón DA, Kang J, Mitchell S, Holland MY, Wist S, Voss J, Brinkac L, Jennings K, Guertin S, Goodwin BG, Sozhamannan S. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Mutations on PCR Assay Sequence Alignment. Front Public Health 2022; 10:889973. [PMID: 35570946 PMCID: PMC9096222 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.889973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays are the most widely used molecular tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosis of COVID-19 in clinical samples. PCR assays target unique genomic RNA regions to identify SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity and specificity. In general, assay development incorporates the whole genome sequences available at design time to be inclusive of all target species and exclusive of near neighbors. However, rapid accumulation of mutations in viral genomes during sustained growth in the population can result in signature erosion and assay failures, creating situational blind spots during a pandemic. In this study, we analyzed the signatures of 43 PCR assays distributed across the genome against over 1.6 million SARS-CoV-2 sequences. We present evidence of significant signature erosion emerging in just two assays due to mutations, while adequate sequence identity was preserved in the other 41 assays. Failure of more than one assay against a given variant sequence was rare and mostly occurred in the two assays noted to have signature erosion. Assays tended to be designed in regions with statistically higher mutations rates. in silico analyses over time can provide insights into mutation trends and alert users to the emergence of novel variants that are present in the population at low proportions before they become dominant. Such routine assessment can also potentially highlight false negatives in test samples that may be indicative of mutations having functional consequences in the form of vaccine and therapeutic failures. This study highlights the importance of whole genome sequencing and expanded real-time monitoring of diagnostic PCR assays during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - June Kang
- Noblis, Inc., Reston, VA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Jameson Voss
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Lead for CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL CBRND EB), Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | - Bruce G Goodwin
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Lead for CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL CBRND EB), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Shanmuga Sozhamannan
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Joint Project Lead for CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL CBRND EB), Frederick, MD, United States.,Logistics Management Institute, Tysons, VA, United States
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44
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Stoykova Z, Kostadinova T, Todorova T, Niyazi D, Bozhkova M, Bizheva S, Stoeva T. Dealing with inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 PCR samples-Our experience. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268187. [PMID: 35560147 PMCID: PMC9106147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Early confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 is a key point in the timely management of infected patients and contact persons. Routine diagnostics of COVID-19 cases relies on RT-PCR detection of two or three unique sequences of the virus. A serious problem for the laboratories is how to interpret inconclusive samples which are positive for only one of the SARS-CoV-2 specific genes. Materials and methods A total of 16364 naso-oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested with SARS-CoV-2 Real-TM kit (Sacace Biotechnologies, Italy) between May and September 2020. We retrospectively analyzed their amplification plots to determine the number of inconclusive samples. We also reviewed the medical records to summarize the patient’s COVID-19 testing history and basic demographic characteristics. Results We obtained 136 (0.8%) inconclusive samples with amplification signal only for the N-gene. Thirty-nine of the samples were excluded from further analysis as no additional data were available for them. Of the rest of the samples, the majority– 48% (95% CI 38–59%) had a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, 14% (95% CI 8–23%)–a subsequent history of positivity and 37% (95% CI 28–48%) were considered as false positive. Conclusion A substantial proportion of the inconclusive results should be considered as positive samples at the beginning or the end of the infection. However, the number of false-positive results is also significant and each patient’s result should be analyzed separately following the clinical symptoms and epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhivka Stoykova
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetelina Kostadinova
- Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
- Medical College, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Tatina Todorova
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Virology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
- * E-mail:
| | - Denis Niyazi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Bozhkova
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Svetomira Bizheva
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Temenuga Stoeva
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical University Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
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45
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Yang J, Li D, Wang J, Zhang R, Li J. Design, optimization, and application of multiplex rRT-PCR in the detection of respiratory viruses. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022:1-18. [PMID: 35559711 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2072467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections are common and serious diseases. Because there is no effective treatment method or vaccine for respiratory tract infection, early diagnosis is vital to identify the pathogen so as to determine the infectivity of the patient and to quickly take measures to curb the spread of the virus, if warranted, to avoid serious public health problems. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR), which has high sensitivity and specificity, is the best approach for early diagnosis. Among rRT-PCR methods, multiplex rRT-PCR can resolve issues arising from various types of viruses, high mutation frequency, coinfection, and low concentrations of virus. However, the design, optimization, and validation of multiplex rRT-PCR are more complicated than singleplex rRT-PCR, and comprehensive research on multiplex rRT-PCR methodology is lacking. This review summarizes recent progress in multiplex rRT-PCR methodology, outlines the principles of design, optimization and validation, and describes a scheme to help diagnostic companies to design and optimize their multiplex rRT-PCR detection panel and to assist laboratory staff to solve problems in their daily work. In addition, the analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility of multiplex rRT-PCR in viral respiratory tract infection diagnosis are assessed to provide theoretical guidance and useful information for physicians to understand the test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Li
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/ National Center of Gerontology, P.R. China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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46
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Hernandez MM, Banu R, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Gray B, Shrestha P, Cao L, Chen F, Shi H, Hanna A, Ramírez JD, van de Guchte A, Sebra R, Gitman MR, Nowak MD, Cordon-Cardo C, Schutzbank TE, Simon V, van Bakel H, Sordillo EM, Paniz-Mondolfi AE. RT-PCR and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Diagnostic Target Performance Reflects Circulating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variant Diversity in New York City. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:738-749. [PMID: 35525388 PMCID: PMC9067105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to circulate, multiple variants of concern have emerged. New variants pose challenges for diagnostic platforms because sequence diversity can alter primer/probe-binding sites (PBSs), causing false-negative results. The Agena MassARRAY SARS-CoV-2 Panel (Agena Bioscience) uses RT-PCR and mass spectrometry to detect five multiplex targets across N and ORF1ab genes. Herein, we use a data set of 256 SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens collected between April 11, 2021, and August 28, 2021, to evaluate target performance with paired sequencing data. During this time frame, two targets in the N gene (N2 and N3) were subject to the greatest sequence diversity. In specimens with N3 dropout, 69% harbored the Alpha-specific A28095U polymorphism that introduces a 3'-mismatch to the N3 forward PBS and increases risk of target dropout relative to specimens with 28095A (relative risk, 20.02; 95% CI, 11.36 to 35.72; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, among specimens with N2 dropout, 90% harbored the Delta-specific G28916U polymorphism that creates a 3'-mismatch to the N2 probe PBS and increases target dropout risk (relative risk, 11.92; 95% CI, 8.17 to 14.06; P < 0.0001). These findings highlight the robust capability of Agena MassARRAY SARS-CoV-2 Panel target results to reveal circulating virus diversity, and they underscore the power of multitarget design to capture variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Hernandez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Radhika Banu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ana S Gonzalez-Reiche
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Brandon Gray
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Paras Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Liyong Cao
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Huanzhi Shi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ayman Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana van de Guchte
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Sema4, a Mount Sinai venture, Stamford, Connecticut
| | - Melissa R Gitman
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Michael D Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; The Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Alberto E Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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47
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Rodino KG, Peaper DR, Kelly BJ, Bushman F, Marques A, Adhikari H, Tu ZJ, Rolon RM, Westblade LF, Green DA, Berry GJ, Wu F, Annavajhala MK, Uhlemann AC, Parikh BA, McMillen T, Jani K, Babady NE, Hahn AM, Koch RT, Grubaugh ND, Rhoads DD. Partial ORF1ab Gene Target Failure with Omicron BA.2.12.1. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.04.25.22274187. [PMID: 35547854 PMCID: PMC9094110 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.25.22274187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 can impact the performance of molecular diagnostic assays. In some cases, such as S gene target failure, the impact can serve as a unique indicator of a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant and provide a method for rapid detection. Here we describe partial ORF1ab gene target failure (pOGTF) on the cobas ® SARS-CoV-2 assays, defined by a ≥2 thermocycles delay in detection of the ORF1ab gene compared to the E gene. We demonstrate that pOGTF is 97% sensitive and 99% specific for SARS-CoV-2 lineage BA.2.12.1, an emerging variant in the United States with spike L452Q and S704L mutations that may impact transmission, infectivity, and/or immune evasion. Increasing rates of pOGTF closely mirrored rates of BA.2.12.1 sequences uploaded to public databases, and, importantly increasing local rates of pOGTF also mirrored increasing overall test positivity. Use of pOGTF as a proxy for BA.2.12.1 provides faster tracking of the variant than whole-genome sequencing and can benefit laboratories without sequencing capabilities.
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48
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Probing the Immune System Dynamics of the COVID-19 Disease for Vaccine Designing and Drug Repurposing Using Bioinformatics Tools. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is complicated by immune dysfunction. The impact of immune-based therapy in COVID-19 patients has been well documented, with some notable studies on the use of anti-cytokine medicines. However, the complexity of disease phenotypes, patient heterogeneity and the varying quality of evidence from immunotherapy studies provide problems in clinical decision-making. This review seeks to aid therapeutic decision-making by giving an overview of the immunological responses against COVID-19 disease that may contribute to the severity of the disease. We have extensively discussed theranostic methods for COVID-19 detection. With advancements in technology, bioinformatics has taken studies to a higher level. The paper also discusses the application of bioinformatics and machine learning tools for the diagnosis, vaccine design and drug repurposing against SARS-CoV-2.
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49
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Kellner MJ, Ross JJ, Schnabl J, Dekens MPS, Matl M, Heinen R, Grishkovskaya I, Bauer B, Stadlmann J, Menéndez-Arias L, Straw AD, Fritsche-Polanz R, Traugott M, Seitz T, Zoufaly A, Födinger M, Wenisch C, Zuber J, Pauli A, Brennecke J. A Rapid, Highly Sensitive and Open-Access SARS-CoV-2 Detection Assay for Laboratory and Home Testing. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:801309. [PMID: 35433827 PMCID: PMC9011764 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.801309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RT-qPCR-based diagnostic tests play important roles in combating virus-caused pandemics such as Covid-19. However, their dependence on sophisticated equipment and the associated costs often limits their widespread use. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification after reverse transcription (RT-LAMP) is an alternative nucleic acid detection method that overcomes these limitations. Here, we present a rapid, robust, and sensitive RT-LAMP-based SARS-CoV-2 detection assay. Our 40-min procedure bypasses the RNA isolation step, is insensitive to carryover contamination, and uses a colorimetric readout that enables robust SARS-CoV-2 detection from various sample types. Based on this assay, we have increased sensitivity and scalability by adding a nucleic acid enrichment step (Bead-LAMP), developed a version for home testing (HomeDip-LAMP), and identified open-source RT-LAMP enzymes that can be produced in any molecular biology laboratory. On a dedicated website, rtlamp.org (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6033689), we provide detailed protocols and videos. Our optimized, general-purpose RT-LAMP assay is an important step toward population-scale SARS-CoV-2 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J. Kellner
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Max J. Kellner, ; Andrea Pauli, ; Julius Brennecke,
| | - James J. Ross
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakob Schnabl
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus P. S. Dekens
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Matl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Heinen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Grishkovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Bauer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Stadlmann
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew D. Straw
- Institute of Biology I and Bernstein Center Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Marianna Traugott
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara Seitz
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Födinger
- Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
- Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wenisch
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Max J. Kellner, ; Andrea Pauli, ; Julius Brennecke,
| | - Julius Brennecke
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Max J. Kellner, ; Andrea Pauli, ; Julius Brennecke,
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Kidd SP, Burns D, Armson B, Beggs AD, Howson ELA, Williams A, Snell G, Wise EL, Goring A, Vincent-Mistiaen Z, Grippon S, Sawyer J, Cassar C, Cross D, Lewis T, Reid SM, Rivers S, James J, Skinner P, Banyard A, Davies K, Ptasinska A, Whalley C, Ferguson J, Bryer C, Poxon C, Bosworth A, Kidd M, Richter A, Burton J, Love H, Fouch S, Tillyer C, Sowood A, Patrick H, Moore N, Andreou M, Morant N, Houghton R, Parker J, Slater-Jefferies J, Brown I, Gretton C, Deans Z, Porter D, Cortes NJ, Douglas A, Hill SL, Godfrey KM, Fowler VL. Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Has High Accuracy for Detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Saliva and Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal Swabs from Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:320-336. [PMID: 35121140 PMCID: PMC8806713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have described reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for the rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab and saliva samples. This multisite clinical evaluation describes the validation of an improved sample preparation method for extraction-free RT-LAMP and reports clinical performance of four RT-LAMP assay formats for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Direct RT-LAMP was performed on 559 swabs and 86,760 saliva samples and RNA RT-LAMP on extracted RNA from 12,619 swabs and 12,521 saliva samples from asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals across health care and community settings. For direct RT-LAMP, overall diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) was 70.35% (95% CI, 63.48%-76.60%) on swabs and 84.62% (95% CI, 79.50%-88.88%) on saliva, with diagnostic specificity of 100% (95% CI, 98.98%-100.00%) on swabs and 100% (95% CI, 99.72%-100.00%) on saliva, compared with quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR); analyzing samples with RT-qPCR ORF1ab CT values of ≤25 and ≤33, DSe values were 100% (95% CI, 96.34%-100%) and 77.78% (95% CI, 70.99%-83.62%) for swabs, and 99.01% (95% CI, 94.61%-99.97%) and 87.61% (95% CI, 82.69%-91.54%) for saliva, respectively. For RNA RT-LAMP, overall DSe and diagnostic specificity were 96.06% (95% CI, 92.88%-98.12%) and 99.99% (95% CI, 99.95%-100%) for swabs, and 80.65% (95% CI, 73.54%-86.54%) and 99.99% (95% CI, 99.95%-100%) for saliva, respectively. These findings demonstrate that RT-LAMP is applicable to a variety of use cases, including frequent, interval-based direct RT-LAMP of saliva from asymptomatic individuals who may otherwise be missed using symptomatic testing alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Kidd
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Burns
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony Armson
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom; vHive, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Beggs
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony Williams
- University of Southampton and Division of Specialist Medicine, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Snell
- University of Southampton and Division of Specialist Medicine, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Wise
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Goring
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | | | - Seden Grippon
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Sawyer
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Cassar
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - David Cross
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Lewis
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Scott M Reid
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Rivers
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Skinner
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Banyard
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Kerrie Davies
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anetta Ptasinska
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Celina Whalley
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Ferguson
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Bryer
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Poxon
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Bosworth
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Kidd
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Public Health West Midlands Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Richter
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Burton
- High Containment Microbiology, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Love
- High Containment Microbiology, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Fouch
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Tillyer
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Sowood
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Patrick
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Moore
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick Morant
- GeneSys Biotech Limited, Camberley, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Houghton
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Parker
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ian Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Cosima Gretton
- NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zandra Deans
- NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Porter
- NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Cortes
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; Gibraltar Health Authority, Gibraltar, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Douglas
- NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sue L Hill
- NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Veronica L Fowler
- Hampshire Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Department of Microbiology, Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Basingstoke, United Kingdom; NHS Test and Trace Programme, Department of Health and Social Care, London, United Kingdom
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