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Qin J, Tian X, Liu S, Yang Z, Shi D, Xu S, Zhang Y. Rapid classification of SARS-CoV-2 variant strains using machine learning-based label-free SERS strategy. Talanta 2024; 267:125080. [PMID: 37678002 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 over the past three years is largely due to the continuous mutation of the virus, which has significantly impeded global efforts to prevent and control this epidemic. Specifically, mutations in the amino acid sequence of the surface spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have directly impacted its biological functions, leading to enhanced transmission and triggering an immune escape effect. Therefore, prompt identification of these mutations is crucial for formulating targeted treatment plans and implementing precise prevention and control measures. In this study, the label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms provide a potential solution for accurate identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants. We establish a SERS spectral database of SARS-CoV-2 variants and demonstrate that a diagnostic classifier using a logistic regression (LR) algorithm can provide accurate results within 10 min. Our classifier achieves 100% accuracy for Beta (B.1.351/501Y.V2), Delta (B.1.617), Wuhan (COVID-19) and Omicron (BA.1) variants. In addition, our method achieves 100% accuracy in blind tests of positive and negative human nasal swabs based on the LR model. This method enables detection and classification of variants in complex biological samples. Therefore, ML-based SERS technology is expected to accurately discriminate various SARS-CoV-2 variants and may be used for rapid diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, PR China; Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Xiangdong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, PR China; Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Siying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, PR China; Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhengxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, PR China; Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dawei Shi
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Sihong Xu
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, PR China; Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Keller MW, Keong LM, Rambo-Martin BL, Hassell N, Lacek KA, Wilson MM, Kirby MK, Liddell J, Owuor DC, Sheth M, Madden J, Lee JS, Kondor RJ, Wentworth DE, Barnes JR. Targeted amplification and genetic sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 surface glycoprotein. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0298223. [PMID: 38084972 PMCID: PMC10783008 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02982-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an unprecedented surveillance effort. The resulting data were and will continue to be critical for surveillance and control of SARS-CoV-2. However, some genomic surveillance methods experienced challenges as the virus evolved, resulting in incomplete and poor quality data. Complete and quality coverage, especially of the S-gene, is important for supporting the selection of vaccine candidates. As such, we developed a robust method to target the S-gene for amplification and sequencing. By focusing on the S-gene and imposing strict coverage and quality metrics, we hope to increase the quality of surveillance data for this continually evolving gene. Our technique is currently being deployed globally to partner laboratories, and public health representatives from 79 countries have received hands-on training and support. Expanding access to quality surveillance methods will undoubtedly lead to earlier detection of novel variants and better inform vaccine strain selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Keller
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa M. Keong
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Rambo-Martin
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Norman Hassell
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristine A. Lacek
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Malania M. Wilson
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marie K. Kirby
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jimma Liddell
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - D. Collins Owuor
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mili Sheth
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph Madden
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Justin S. Lee
- Biotechnology Core Facility Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Kondor
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David E. Wentworth
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John R. Barnes
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Ishige T. Molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 and techniques of diagnosis and surveillance. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 118:35-85. [PMID: 38280807 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global pandemic in March 2020. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the reference technique for molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly mutating, and more transmissible variants have emerged, making genomic surveillance a crucial tool for investigating virus transmission dynamics, detecting novel genetic variants, and assessing mutation impact. The S gene, which encodes the spike protein, is frequently mutated, and it plays an important role in transmissibility. Spike protein mutations affect infectivity and vaccine effectiveness. SARS-CoV-2 variants are tracked using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and S-gene analysis. WGS, Sanger sequencing, and many S-gene-targeted RT-PCR methods have been developed. WGS and Sanger sequencing are standard methods for detecting mutations and can be used to identify known and unknown mutations. Melting curve analysis, endpoint genotyping assay, and S-gene target failure are used in the RT-PCR-based method for the rapid detection of specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, these assays are suitable for high-throughput screening. The combinatorial use of RT-PCR-based assays, Sanger sequencing, and WGS enables rapid and accurate tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this review, we described RT-PCR-based detection and surveillance techniques for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Ishige
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
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Nedaei F, Esmaeili Rastaghi AR, Goodarzi E, Haji Mullah Asadullah H, Mirhadi F, Fateh A. Introduction and effect of natural selection analysis at common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene in Iran. Virus Res 2023; 336:199202. [PMID: 37595664 PMCID: PMC10491845 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The spike (S) protein of SARS-Cov-2 is composed of two subunits, S1 and S2. This study aimed to describe SARS-CoV-2 haplotypes in Iranians based on the S gene, which plays a key role in the receptor recognition and cell membrane fusion proses. 95 positive saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 were amplified and sequenced for the S gene. The sequences were classified into 35 haplotypes, which 11 haplotypes were new (H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H7, H11, H13, H15, H16, H25) and have not been reported so far. Amino acid substitutions were found at 40 positions that 23 were located at S1 subunit and 16 were at S2 subunit and one was at cleavage loop (P681H/R), thus polymorphisms at S1 subunit were found to be higher than S2. The neutrality index (NI) analyses showed a negative departure from the neutral substitution patterns (NI > 1) for S1 and S2 subunit in the studied sequences. The co-occurrence of B-cell epitopes and mutation sites were found in seven positions with more probably to be exposed the immune system pressure. In conclusion, the results provide the significant data to design an effective vaccine based on this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nedaei
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Esmaeil Goodarzi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Mirhadi
- Department of Medical science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Fateh
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Embekkat Kaviyil J, Raja K, Gaitonde R, Easwaran S, Kala V K, Korol Ponnambath D. Targeted Sanger Sequencing of a Cluster of COVID-19 Cases in the Surgical ICU of a Non-COVID Hospital: Lessons Learned. Cureus 2023; 15:e44755. [PMID: 37809129 PMCID: PMC10556540 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Small clusters of infection due to SARS-CoV-2 in a non-COVID-19 healthcare facility can disrupt services. Here, we investigated a cluster of SARS-CoV-2 cases by targeted Sanger sequencing and clinical epidemiological methods in a non-COVID-19 super-specialty hospital. Epidemiological data were collected in a blinded manner using a proforma to find the risk factors associated with infection. Targeted Sanger sequencing of the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) coding region was performed on all the available real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive samples that included a patient, his mother, and 11 healthcare workers (HCWs) to determine any genomic variations in the samples from the cluster. All positive cases were due to the Delta variant. However, it detected a unique mutation, N501I, in the RBD region of the SARS-CoV-2 strains. The viral genome extracted from the mother's sample lacked the mutation, thus excluding her from the cluster and pointing out that the outbreak was nosocomial, leading to a focus on infection control measures. Though whole genome sequencing is more universally accepted, in this study, targeted sanger sequencing provided a rapid and cost-effective solution to correctly delineate between the actual cases that form the cluster and other community cases in a pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Embekkat Kaviyil
- Microbiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, IND
| | - Kavita Raja
- Microbiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, IND
| | - Rakhal Gaitonde
- Public Health, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, IND
| | | | - Kumari Kala V
- Nursing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, IND
| | - Dinoop Korol Ponnambath
- Microbiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, IND
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Kong X, Gao P, Jiang Y, Lu L, Zhao M, Liu Y, Deng G, Zhu H, Cao Y, Ma L. Discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant and its lineages by rapid detection of immune-escape mutations in spike protein RBD using asymmetric PCR-based melting curve analysis. Virol J 2023; 20:192. [PMID: 37626353 PMCID: PMC10463914 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain has multiple immune-escape mutations in the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). Rapid detection of these mutations to identify Omicron and its lineages is essential for guiding public health strategies and patient treatments. We developed a two-tube, four-color assay employing asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based melting curve analysis to detect Omicron mutations and discriminate the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5, and BA.2.75 lineages. METHODS The presented technique involves combinatory analysis of the detection of six fluorescent probes targeting the immune-escape mutations L452R, N460K, E484A, F486V, Q493R, Q498R, and Y505H within one amplicon in the spike RBD and probes targeting the ORF1ab and N genes. After protocol optimization, the analytical performance of the technique was evaluated using plasmid templates. Sensitivity was assessed based on the limit of detection (LOD), and reliability was assessed by calculating the intra- and inter-run precision of melting temperatures (Tms). Specificity was assessed using pseudotyped lentivirus of common human respiratory pathogens and human genomic DNA. The assay was used to analyze 40 SARS-CoV-2-positive clinical samples (including 36 BA.2 and 4 BA.4/5 samples) and pseudotyped lentiviruses of wild-type and BA.1 viral RNA control materials, as well as 20 SARS-CoV-2-negative clinical samples, and its accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results with those of sequencing. RESULTS All genotypes were sensitively identified using the developed method with a LOD of 39.1 copies per reaction. The intra- and inter-run coefficients of variation for the Tms were ≤ 0.69% and ≤ 0.84%, with standard deviations ≤ 0.38 °C and ≤ 0.41 °C, respectively. Validation of the assay using known SARS-CoV-2-positive samples demonstrated its ability to correctly identify the targeted mutations and preliminarily characterize the Omicron lineages. CONCLUSION The developed assay can provide accurate, reliable, rapid, simple and low-cost detection of the immune-escape mutations located in the spike RBD to detect the Omicron variant and discriminate its lineages, and its use can be easily generalized in clinical laboratories with a fluorescent PCR platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomu Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongwei Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Meimei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiong Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongtong Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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Ko K, Takahashi K, Ito N, Sugiyama A, Nagashima S, Miwata K, Kitahara Y, Okimoto M, Ouoba S, Akuffo GA, E B, Akita T, Takafuta T, Tanaka J. Despite low viral titer in saliva samples, Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing is highly applicable for the variant identification. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:199. [PMID: 37620887 PMCID: PMC10463848 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the performance of Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based full-genome sequencing for variant identification in saliva samples with low viral titer. METHODS Using 241 stocked saliva samples collected from confirmed COVID-19 patients between November 2020 and March 2022 in Hiroshima, SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing (nt22735-nt23532) was performed by nested RT-PCR and Sanger platform using in-house primers. The same samples underwent full-genome sequencing by NGS using Illumina NextSeq2000. RESULTS Among 241 samples, 147 were amplified by both the Sanger and the Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS, 86 by Sanger only, and 8 were not amplified at all. The overall amplification rates of Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS and Sanger were 61% and 96.7%, respectively. At low viral titer (< 103 copies/mL), Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS provided 19.2% amplification, while Sanger was 89.7% (p < 0.0001). Both platforms identified 38 wild type, 54 Alpha variants, 84 Delta variants, and 57 Omicron variants. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided evidence to expand the capacity of Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing for variants identification over full-genome by Illumina NextSeq2000 NGS for mass screening. Therefore, the feasible and simple Sanger-based SARS-CoV-2 spike gene sequencing is practical for the initial variants screening, which might reduce the gap between the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its molecular surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takahashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Noriaki Ito
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Aya Sugiyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shintaro Nagashima
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kei Miwata
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Mafumi Okimoto
- Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Serge Ouoba
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro (URCN), Institut de Recherche en Science de La Santé (IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Golda Ataa Akuffo
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Bunthen E
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Payment Certification Agency (PCA), Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Tomoyuki Akita
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | | | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
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Murillo E, Palacio-Rua K, Afanador-Ayala C, García-Correa JF, Zuluaga AF. Validation of a new strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants by sequencing the spike gene by Sanger. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed) 2023; 41:284-289. [PMID: 37144832 PMCID: PMC9574460 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic is of great world concern. Until now, their analysis has mainly focused on next-generation sequencing. However, this technique is expensive and requires sophisticated equipment, long processing times, and highly qualified technical personnel with experience in bioinformatics. To contribute to the analysis of variants of interest and variants of concern, increase the diagnostic capacity, and process samples to carry out genomic surveillance, we propose a quick and easy methodology to apply, based on Sanger sequencing of 3 gene fragments that code for protein spike. METHODS Fifteen positive samples for SARS-CoV-2 with a cycle threshold below 25 were sequenced by Sanger and next-generation sequencing methodologies. The data obtained were analyzed on the Nextstrain and PANGO Lineages platforms. RESULTS Both methodologies allowed the identification of the variants of interest reported by the WHO. Two samples were identified as Alpha, 3 Gamma, one Delta, 3 Mu, one Omicron, and 5 strains were close to the initial Wuhan-Hu-1 virus isolate. According to in silico analysis, key mutations can also be detected to identify and classify other variants not evaluated in the study. CONCLUSION The different SARS-CoV-2 lineages of interest and concern are classified quickly, agilely, and reliably with the Sanger sequencing methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enderson Murillo
- Laboratorio Integrado de Medicina Especializada (LIME), Facultad de Medicina, IPS Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Katherine Palacio-Rua
- Laboratorio Integrado de Medicina Especializada (LIME), Facultad de Medicina, IPS Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Carlos Afanador-Ayala
- Laboratorio Integrado de Medicina Especializada (LIME), Facultad de Medicina, IPS Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan Felipe García-Correa
- Laboratorio Integrado de Medicina Especializada (LIME), Facultad de Medicina, IPS Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Andrés F Zuluaga
- Laboratorio Integrado de Medicina Especializada (LIME), Facultad de Medicina, IPS Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia.
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Menezes D, Fonseca PLC, de Araújo JLF, Souza RP. SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Brazil: A Systematic Review with Scientometric Analysis. Viruses 2022; 14. [PMID: 36560720 DOI: 10.3390/v14122715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Brazil throughout the pandemic. Here, we systematically reviewed and conducted a scientometric analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance studies using Brazilian samples. A Pubmed database search on October 2022 returned 492 articles, of which 106 were included. Ninety-six different strains were reported, with variant of concern (VOC) gamma (n = 35,398), VOC delta (n = 15,780), and the variant of interest zeta (n = 1983) being the most common. The top three states with the most samples in the published articles were São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Whereas the first year of the pandemic presented primary circulation of B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33 variants, consecutive replacements were observed between them and VOI zeta, VOC gamma, VOC delta, and VOC omicron. VOI mu, VOI lambda, VOC alpha, and VOC beta were also detected but failed to reach significant circulation. Co-infection, re-infection, and vaccine breakthrough reports were found. Article co-citation differed from the co-authorship structure. Despite the limitations, we expect to give an overview of Brazil's genomic surveillance studies and contribute to future research execution.
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Deminco F, Vaz SN, Santana DS, Pedroso C, Tadeu J, Stoecker A, Vieira SM, Netto E, Brites C. A Simplified Sanger Sequencing Method for Detection of Relevant SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2609. [PMID: 36359452 PMCID: PMC9689870 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular surveillance of the new coronavirus through new genomic sequencing technologies revealed the circulation of important variants of SARS-CoV-2. Sanger sequencing has been useful in identifying important variants of SARS-CoV-2 without the need for whole-genome sequencing. A sequencing protocol was constructed to cover a region of 1000 base pairs, from a 1120 bp product generated after a two-step RT-PCR assay in samples positive for SARS-CoV-2. Consensus sequence construction and mutation identification were performed. Of all 103 samples sequenced, 69 contained relevant variants represented by 20 BA.1, 13 delta, 22 gamma, and 14 zeta, identified between June 2020 and February 2022. All sequences found were aligned with representative sequences of the variants. Using the Sanger sequencing methodology, we were able to develop a more accessible protocol to assist viral surveillance with a more accessible platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Brites
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Infectologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA)/EBSERH, Salvador 40170-110, Bahia, Brazil
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Berno G, Fabeni L, Matusali G, Gruber CEM, Rueca M, Giombini E, Garbuglia AR. SARS-CoV-2 Variants Identification: Overview of Molecular Existing Methods. Pathogens 2022; 11:1058. [PMID: 36145490 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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12
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Ayadi W, Taktak A, Gargouri S, Smaoui F, Chtourou A, Skouri-Gargouri H, Derbel R, Sassi AH, Gargouri A, Hammami A, Karray-Hakim H, Mokdad-Gargouri R, Fki-Berrajah L. Development of a simple genotyping method based on indel mutations to rapidly screen SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants: Delta, Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. J Virol Methods 2022;:114570. [PMID: 35724698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The high need of rapid and flexible tools that facilitate the identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) remains crucial for public health system monitoring. Here, we develop allele-specific (AS)-qPCR assays targeting three recurrent indel mutations, ΔEF156–157, Ins214EPE and ΔLPP24–26, in spike (S) gene to identify the Delta VOC and the Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2, respectively. After verification of the analytical specificity of each primer set, two duplex qPCR assays with melting curve analysis were performed to screen 129 COVID-19 cases confirmed between December 31, 2021 and February 01, 2022 in Sfax, Tunisia. The first duplex assay targeting ΔEF156–157 and Ins214EPE mutations successfully detected the Delta VOC in 39 cases and Omicron BA.1 in 83 cases. All the remaining cases (n = 7) were identified as Omicron BA.2, by the second duplex assay targeting Ins214EPE and ΔLPP24–26 mutations. The results of the screening method were in perfect concordance with those of S gene partial sequencing. In conclusion, our findings provide a simple and flexible screening method for more rapid and reliable monitoring of circulating VOCs. We highly recommend its implementation to guide public health policies.
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Murillo E, Rua KP, Ayala CA, Correa JFG, Zuluaga AF. [Validation of a new strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants by sequencing the Spike gene by Sanger]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2022. [PMID: 35602577 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Introducción La aparición de múltiples variantes del SARS-CoV-2 durante la pandemia de COVID-19 es motivo de gran preocupación mundial. Hasta el momento, su análisis se ha centrado principalmente en la secuenciación de nueva generación. Sin embargo, esta técnica es costosa y requiere equipos sofisticados, largos tiempos de procesamiento y personal técnico altamente cualificado con experiencia en bioinformática. Para contribuir al análisis de variantes de interés y de preocupación, aumentar la capacidad diagnóstica y procesar muestras para realizar vigilancia genómica, proponemos una metodología rápida y fácil de aplicar, basada en la secuenciación Sanger de 3 fragmentos del gen que codifica para la proteína espiga. Métodos Se secuenciaron 15 muestras positivas para SARS-CoV-2 con un valor de umbral de ciclo inferior a 25 por metodologías Sanger y secuenciación de nueva generación. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados en las plataformas Nextstrain y PANGO Lineages. Resultados Ambas metodologías permitieron identificar las variantes de interés reportadas por la OMS. Se identificaron 2 muestras como alfa, 3 gamma, una delta, tres mu, una ómicron y 5 cepas cercanas al aislado inicial del virus Wuhan-Hu-1. Según el análisis in silico, también se pueden detectar mutaciones clave para identificar y clasificar otras variantes no evaluadas en el estudio. Conclusión Los diferentes linajes de interés y preocupación de SARS-CoV-2 se clasifican de forma rápida, ágil y fiable con la metodología de secuenciación de Sanger.
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