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Mourik K, Sidorov I, Carbo EC, van der Meer D, Boot A, Kroes ACM, Claas ECJ, Boers SA, de Vries JJC. Comparison of the performance of two targeted metagenomic virus capture probe-based methods using reference control materials and clinical samples. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0034524. [PMID: 38757981 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00345-24] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral enrichment by probe hybridization has been reported to significantly increase the sensitivity of viral metagenomics. This study compares the analytical performance of two targeted metagenomic virus capture probe-based methods: (i) SeqCap EZ HyperCap by Roche (ViroCap) and (ii) Twist Comprehensive Viral Research Panel workflow, for diagnostic use. Sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection were analyzed using 25 synthetic viral sequences spiked in increasing proportions of human background DNA, eight clinical samples, and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Virome Virus Mix. Sensitivity and specificity were 95% and higher for both methods using the synthetic and reference controls as gold standard. Combining thresholds for viral sequence read counts and genome coverage [respectively 500 reads per million (RPM) and 10% coverage] resulted in optimal prediction of true positive results. Limits of detection were approximately 50-500 copies/mL for both methods as determined by ddPCR. Increasing proportions of spike-in cell-free human background sequences up to 99.999% (50 ng/mL) did not negatively affect viral detection, suggesting effective capture of viral sequences. These data show analytical performances in ranges applicable to clinical samples, for both probe hybridization metagenomic approaches. This study supports further steps toward more widespread use of viral metagenomics for pathogen detection, in clinical and surveillance settings using low biomass samples. IMPORTANCE Viral metagenomics has been gradually applied for broad-spectrum pathogen detection of infectious diseases, surveillance of emerging diseases, and pathogen discovery. Viral enrichment by probe hybridization methods has been reported to significantly increase the sensitivity of viral metagenomics. During the past years, a specific hybridization panel distributed by Roche has been adopted in a broad range of different clinical and zoonotic settings. Recently, Twist Bioscience has released a new hybridization panel targeting human and animal viruses. This is the first report comparing the performance of viral metagenomic hybridization panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees Mourik
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Igor Sidorov
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen C Carbo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Aloysius C M Kroes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eric C J Claas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan A Boers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jutte J C de Vries
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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2
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Meng Z, Wang S, Yu L, Zhao K, Wu T, Zhu X, Yang N, Qiao Q, Ma J, Wu B, Ge Y, Cui L. A novel fast hybrid capture sequencing method for high-efficiency common human coronavirus whole-genome acquisition. mSystems 2024; 9:e0122223. [PMID: 38564711 PMCID: PMC11097644 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01222-23] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid and accurate sequencing of the entire viral genome, coupled with continuous monitoring of genetic changes, is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of coronaviruses. We designed a novel method called micro target hybrid capture system (MT-Capture) to enable whole-genome sequencing in a timely manner. The novel design of probes used in target binding exhibits a unique and synergistic "hand-in-hand" conjugation effect. The entire hybrid capture process is within 2.5 hours, overcoming the time-consuming and complex operation characteristics of the traditional liquid-phase hybrid capture (T-Capture) system. By designing specific probes for these coronaviruses, MT-Capture effectively enriched isolated strains and 112 clinical samples of coronaviruses with cycle threshold values below 37. Compared to multiplex PCR sequencing, it does not require frequent primer updates and has higher compatibility. MT-Capture is highly sensitive and capable of tracking variants.IMPORTANCEMT-Capture is meticulously designed to enable the efficient acquisition of the target genome of the common human coronavirus. Coronavirus is a kind of virus that people are generally susceptible to and is epidemic and infectious, and it is the virus with the longest genome among known RNA viruses. Therefore, common human coronavirus samples are selected to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of MT-Capture. This method utilizes innovative probe designs optimized through probe conjugation techniques, greatly shortening the time and simplifying the handwork compared with traditional hybridization capture processes. Our results demonstrate that MT-Capture surpasses multiplex PCR in terms of sensitivity, exhibiting a thousandfold increase. Moreover, MT-Capture excels in the identification of mutation sites. This method not only is used to target the coronaviruses but also may be used to diagnose other diseases, including various infectious diseases, genetic diseases, or tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixinrong Meng
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Kangchen Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiao Qiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Junyan Ma
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiyue Ge
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Lunbiao Cui
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology in Emerging Major Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Health Emergency, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
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3
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Ceballos-Garzon A, Comtet-Marre S, Peyret P. Applying targeted gene hybridization capture to viruses with a focus to SARS-CoV-2. Virus Res 2024; 340:199293. [PMID: 38101578 PMCID: PMC10767490 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199293] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although next-generation sequencing technologies are advancing rapidly, many research topics often require selective sequencing of genomic regions of interest. In addition, sequencing low-titre viruses is challenging, especially for coronaviruses, which are the largest RNA viruses. Prior to sequencing, enrichment of viral particles can help to significantly increase target sequence information as well as avoid large sequencing efforts and, consequently, can increase sensitivity and reduce sequencing costs. Targeting nucleic acids using capture by hybridization is another efficient method that can be performed by applying complementary probes (DNA or RNA baits) to directly enrich genetic information of interest while removing background non-target material. In studies where sequence capture by hybridization has been applied to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, most authors agree that this technique is useful to easily access sequence targets in complex samples. Furthermore, this approach allows for complete or near-complete sequencing of the viral genome, even in samples with low viral load or poor nucleic acid integrity. In addition, this strategy is highly efficient at discovering new variants by facilitating downstream investigations, such as phylogenetics, epidemiology, and evolution. Commercial kits, as well as in-house protocols, have been developed for enrichment of viral sequences. However, these kits have multiple variations in procedure, with differences in performance. This review compiles and describes studies in which hybridization capture has been applied to SARS-CoV-2 variant genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierre Peyret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, MEDiS, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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4
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Avadhanula V, Agustinho DP, Menon VK, Chemaly RF, Shah DP, Qin X, Surathu A, Doddapaneni H, Muzny DM, Metcalf GA, Cregeen SJ, Gibbs RA, Petrosino JF, Sedlazeck FJ, Piedra PA. Inter and intra-host diversity of RSV in hematopoietic stem cell transplant adults with normal and delayed viral clearance. Virus Evol 2023; 10:vead086. [PMID: 38361816 PMCID: PMC10868550 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in immunocompromised individuals often leads to prolonged illness, progression to severe lower respiratory tract infection, and even death. How the host immune environment of the hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) adults can affect viral genetic variation during an acute infection is not understood well. In the present study, we performed whole genome sequencing of RSV/A or RSV/B from samples collected longitudinally from HCT adults with normal (<14 days) and delayed (≥14 days) RSV clearance who were enrolled in a ribavirin trial. We determined the inter-host and intra-host genetic variation of RSV and the effect of mutations on putative glycosylation sites. The inter-host variation of RSV is centered in the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoprotein genes followed by polymerase (L) and matrix (M) genes. Interestingly, the overall genetic variation was constant between normal and delayed clearance groups for both RSV/A and RSV/B. Intra-host variation primarily occurred in the G gene followed by non-structural protein (NS1) and L genes; however, gain or loss of stop codons and frameshift mutations appeared only in the G gene and only in the delayed viral clearance group. Potential gain or loss of O-linked glycosylation sites in the G gene occurred both in RSV/A and RSV/B isolates. For RSV F gene, loss of N-linked glycosylation site occurred in three RSV/B isolates within an antigenic epitope. Both oral and aerosolized ribavirin did not cause any mutations in the L gene. In summary, prolonged viral shedding and immune deficiency resulted in RSV variation, especially in structural mutations in the G gene, possibly associated with immune evasion. Therefore, sequencing and monitoring of RSV isolates from immunocompromised patients are crucial as they can create escape mutants that can impact the effectiveness of upcoming vaccines and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vipin Kumar Menon
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dimpy P Shah
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Mays Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiang Qin
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anil Surathu
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030,USA
| | - Harshavardhan Doddapaneni
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ginger A Metcalf
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sara Javornik Cregeen
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030,USA
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joseph F Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030,USA
| | - Fritz J Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030,USA
| | - Pedro A Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Stanhope BJ, Peterson B, Knight B, Decadiz RN, Pan R, Davis P, Fraser A, Nuth M, vanWestrienen J, Wendlandt E, Goodwin B, Myers C, Stone J, Sozhamannan S. Development, testing and validation of a SARS-CoV-2 multiplex panel for detection of the five major variants of concern on a portable PCR platform. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1042647. [PMID: 36590003 PMCID: PMC9798920 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1042647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These variants have acquired mutations conferring phenotypes such as increased transmissibility or virulence, or causing diagnostic, therapeutic, or immune escape. Detection of Alpha and the majority of Omicron sublineages by PCR relied on the so-called S gene target failure due to the deletion of six nucleotides coding for amino acids 69-70 in the spike (S) protein. Detection of hallmark mutations in other variants present in samples relied on whole genome sequencing. However, whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool is still in its infancy due to geographic inequities in sequencing capabilities, higher cost compared to other molecular assays, longer turnaround time from sample to result, and technical challenges associated with producing complete genome sequences from samples that have low viral load and/or high background. Hence, there is a need for rapid genotyping assays. In order to rapidly generate information on the presence of a variant in a given sample, we have created a panel of four triplex RT-qPCR assays targeting 12 mutations to detect and differentiate all five variants of concern: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. We also developed an expanded pentaplex assay that can reliably distinguish among the major sublineages (BA.1-BA.5) of Omicron. In silico, analytical and clinical testing of the variant panel indicate that the assays exhibit high sensitivity and specificity. This panel can help fulfill the need for rapid identification of variants in samples, leading to quick decision making with respect to public health measures, as well as treatment options for individuals. Compared to sequencing, these genotyping PCR assays allow much faster turn-around time from sample to results-just a couple hours instead of days or weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Roger Pan
- Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Anne Fraser
- Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Erik Wendlandt
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Bruce Goodwin
- Defense Biological Product Assurance Office (DBPAO), Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Enabling Biotechnologies, Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - Jennifer Stone
- MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Jennifer Stone
| | - Shanmuga Sozhamannan
- Defense Biological Product Assurance Office (DBPAO), Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND), Enabling Biotechnologies, Frederick, MD, United States,Logistics Management Institute, Tysons, VA, United States,Shanmuga Sozhamannan
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6
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Lou EG, Sapoval N, McCall C, Bauhs L, Carlson-Stadler R, Kalvapalle P, Lai Y, Palmer K, Penn R, Rich W, Wolken M, Brown P, Ensor KB, Hopkins L, Treangen TJ, Stadler LB. Direct comparison of RT-ddPCR and targeted amplicon sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 mutation monitoring in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022. [PMID: 35395314 DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4022373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged that are more contagious and more likely to cause breakthrough infections. Targeted amplicon sequencing approach is a gold standard for identification and analysis of variants. However, when applied to environmental samples such as wastewater, it remains unclear how sensitive this method is for detecting variant-associated mutations in environmental samples. Here we directly compare a targeted amplicon sequencing approach (using ARTIC v3; hereafter referred to as sequencing) with RT-ddPCR quantification for the detection of five mutations that are characteristic of variants of concern (VoCs) in wastewater samples. In total, 547 wastewater samples were analyzed using both methods in parallel. When we observed positive mutation detections by RT-ddPCR, 42.6% of the detection events were missed by sequencing, due to negative detection or the limited read coverage at the mutation position. Further, when sequencing reported negative or depth-limited mutation detections, 26.7% of those events were instead positive detections by RT-ddPCR, highlighting the relatively poor sensitivity of sequencing. No or weak associations were observed between quantitative measurements of target mutations determined by RT-ddPCR and sequencing. These findings caution the use of quantitative measurements of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater samples determined solely based on sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther G Lou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Nicolae Sapoval
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Camille McCall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Lauren Bauhs
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Russell Carlson-Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Prashant Kalvapalle
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Yanlai Lai
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Kyle Palmer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Ryker Penn
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Whitney Rich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Madeline Wolken
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Pamela Brown
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Katherine B Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America; Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Todd J Treangen
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America.
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7
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Lou EG, Sapoval N, McCall C, Bauhs L, Carlson-Stadler R, Kalvapalle P, Lai Y, Palmer K, Penn R, Rich W, Wolken M, Brown P, Ensor KB, Hopkins L, Treangen TJ, Stadler LB. Direct comparison of RT-ddPCR and targeted amplicon sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 mutation monitoring in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155059. [PMID: 35395314 PMCID: PMC8983075 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged that are more contagious and more likely to cause breakthrough infections. Targeted amplicon sequencing approach is a gold standard for identification and analysis of variants. However, when applied to environmental samples such as wastewater, it remains unclear how sensitive this method is for detecting variant-associated mutations in environmental samples. Here we directly compare a targeted amplicon sequencing approach (using ARTIC v3; hereafter referred to as sequencing) with RT-ddPCR quantification for the detection of five mutations that are characteristic of variants of concern (VoCs) in wastewater samples. In total, 547 wastewater samples were analyzed using both methods in parallel. When we observed positive mutation detections by RT-ddPCR, 42.6% of the detection events were missed by sequencing, due to negative detection or the limited read coverage at the mutation position. Further, when sequencing reported negative or depth-limited mutation detections, 26.7% of those events were instead positive detections by RT-ddPCR, highlighting the relatively poor sensitivity of sequencing. No or weak associations were observed between quantitative measurements of target mutations determined by RT-ddPCR and sequencing. These findings caution the use of quantitative measurements of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater samples determined solely based on sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther G Lou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Nicolae Sapoval
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Camille McCall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Lauren Bauhs
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Russell Carlson-Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Prashant Kalvapalle
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Yanlai Lai
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Kyle Palmer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Ryker Penn
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Whitney Rich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Madeline Wolken
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Pamela Brown
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Katherine B Ensor
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Loren Hopkins
- Houston Health Department, 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054, United States of America; Department of Statistics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 138, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Todd J Treangen
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America
| | - Lauren B Stadler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS 519, Houston, TX 77005, United States of America.
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8
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Lambisia AW, Mohammed KS, Makori TO, Ndwiga L, Mburu MW, Morobe JM, Moraa EO, Musyoki J, Murunga N, Mwangi JN, Nokes DJ, Agoti CN, Ochola-Oyier LI, Githinji G. Optimization of the SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Network V4 Primers and Whole Genome Sequencing Protocol. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:836728. [PMID: 35252269 PMCID: PMC8891481 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.836728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ARTIC Network's primer set and amplicon-based protocol is one of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 sequencing protocol. An update to the V3 primer set was released on 18th June 2021 to address amplicon drop-off observed among the Delta variant of concern. Here, we report on an in-house optimization of a modified version of the ARTIC Network V4 protocol that improves SARS-CoV-2 genome recovery in instances where the original V4 pooling strategy was characterized by amplicon drop-offs. METHODS We utilized a matched set of 43 clinical samples and serially diluted positive controls that were amplified by ARTIC V3, V4 and optimized V4 primers and sequenced using GridION from the Oxford Nanopore Technologies'. RESULTS We observed a 0.5% to 46% increase in genome recovery in 67% of the samples when using the original V4 pooling strategy compared to the V3 primers. Amplicon drop-offs at primer positions 23 and 90 were observed for all variants and positive controls. When using the optimized protocol, we observed a 60% improvement in genome recovery across all samples and an increase in the average depth in amplicon 23 and 90. Consequently, ≥95% of the genome was recovered in 72% (n = 31) of the samples. However, only 60-70% of the genomes could be recovered in samples that had <28% genome coverage with the ARTIC V3 primers. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) correlation between Ct value and genome recovery. CONCLUSION Utilizing the ARTIC V4 primers, while increasing the primer concentrations for amplicons with drop-offs or low average read-depth, greatly improves genome recovery of Alpha, Beta, Delta, Eta and non-VOC/non-VOI SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold W. Lambisia
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Khadija S. Mohammed
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Timothy O. Makori
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Leonard Ndwiga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Maureen W. Mburu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - John M. Morobe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edidah O. Moraa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Musyoki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nickson Murunga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Jane N. Mwangi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - D. James Nokes
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Charles N. Agoti
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - George Githinji
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
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9
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Rosenthal SH, Gerasimova A, Ruiz-Vega R, Livingston K, Kagan RM, Liu Y, Anderson B, Owen R, Bernstein L, Smolgovsky A, Xu D, Chen R, Grupe A, Tanpaiboon P, Lacbawan F. Development and validation of a high throughput SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing workflow in a clinical laboratory. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2054. [PMID: 35136154 PMCID: PMC8826425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 provides crucial information for identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets and important insights to achieve a more effective COVID-19 control strategy. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been widely used for whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2. While various NGS methods have been reported, one chief limitation has been the complexity of the workflow, limiting the scalability. Here, we overcome this limitation by designing a laboratory workflow optimized for high-throughput studies. The workflow utilizes modified ARTIC network v3 primers for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome amplification. NGS libraries were prepared by a 2-step PCR method, similar to a previously reported tailed PCR method, with further optimizations to improve amplicon balance, to minimize amplicon dropout for viral genomes harboring primer-binding site mutation(s), and to integrate robotic liquid handlers. Validation studies demonstrated that the optimized workflow can process up to 2688 samples in a single sequencing run without compromising sensitivity and accuracy and with fewer amplicon dropout events compared to the standard ARTIC protocol. We additionally report results for over 65,000 SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences from clinical specimens collected in the United States between January and September of 2021, as part of an ongoing national genomics surveillance effort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ron M Kagan
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA.
| | - Yan Liu
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
| | - Ben Anderson
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
| | - Renius Owen
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
| | | | | | - Dong Xu
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
| | - Andrew Grupe
- Quest Diagnostics, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675, USA
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10
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Epifanio IDS, Rodrigues DDS, de Lima LB, Nogueira MADA, Felix LRDMP, de Almeida BF, Farias CKDS, de Carvalho OV, Maia RDCC, Ristow LE, Barbosa DS, Galhardo JA, Pettan-Brewer C, Kmetiuk LB, Agopian RG, Dutra V, de Morais HA, Dos Santos AP, Biondo AW, Brandespim DF. First report of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detection in two asymptomatic cats in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Vet World 2021; 14:2839-2842. [PMID: 34903947 PMCID: PMC8654769 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2839-2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Despite worldwide case reports, including Brazilian cases, no frequency study on infection of pets by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been conducted to date in Brazil. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to assess dogs and cats belonging to positive owners in Recife, Northeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods This was a longitudinal prospective study on dogs and cats in the city of Recife whose owners were in isolation at home due to a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Oral and rectal swabs from the pets were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA by means of RT-qPCR. Results Among the pets tested, 0/16 dogs and 2/15 cats were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, the two positive cats were owned by two unrelated asymptomatic veterinary students, which, therefore, post a warning to veterinarians worldwide. Conclusion The findings herein indicate that cats may act as sentinels for human cases, particularly sharing households with asymptomatic human cases. Although with small sampling and convenient recruiting, the presence of infected cats by SARS-CoV-2 was most likely due to close cat-human contact with positive owners, posting a human-animal health threat when pets share the same bed and interact with owners without protection, particularly during owner self-isolation. Thus, infected owners should follow the same human preventive guidelines with their pets to avoid spreading infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivyson da Silva Epifanio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Davi Dos Santos Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Borges de Lima
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Maria Aurea de Azevedo Nogueira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Barbara Ferreira de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Claudia Kathariny da Silva Farias
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Rita de Cassia Carvalho Maia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - David Soeiro Barbosa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Arena Galhardo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paran, Curitiba, Paran, Brazil
| | | | - Valeria Dutra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiab, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Daniel Friguglietti Brandespim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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11
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Long S. SARS-CoV-2 Subgenomic RNAs: Characterization, Utility, and Perspectives. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101923. [PMID: 34696353 PMCID: PMC8539008 DOI: 10.3390/v13101923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent at the root of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, harbors a large RNA genome from which a tiered ensemble of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) is generated. Comprehensive definition and investigation of these RNA products are important for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. This review summarizes the recent progress on SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA identification, characterization, and application as a viral replication marker. The significance of these findings and potential future research areas of interest are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Long
- Independent Researcher, Clarksburg, MD 20871, USA
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