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Martínez de Alba ÁE, Morán-Diez ME, García-Prieto JC, García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Serrano León E, Monsalvo V, Casao M, Rubio MB, Hermosa R, Muro A, García-Roig M, Monte E. SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection in Wastewater and Its Effective Correlation with Clinical Data during the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Salamanca. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8071. [PMID: 39125640 PMCID: PMC11311535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158071] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the final stage of the anthropogenic water cycle where a wide range of chemical and biological markers of human activity can be found. In COVID-19 disease contexts, wastewater surveillance has been used to infer community trends based on viral abundance and SARS-CoV-2 RNA variant composition, which has served to anticipate and establish appropriate protocols to prevent potential viral outbreaks. Numerous studies worldwide have provided reliable and robust tools to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, although due to the high dilution and degradation rate of the viral RNA in such samples, the detection limit of the pathogen has been a bottleneck for the proposed protocols so far. The current work provides a comprehensive and systematic study of the different parameters that may affect the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and hinder its quantification. The results obtained using synthetic viral RNA as a template allow us to consider that 10 genome copies per µL is the minimum RNA concentration that provides reliable and consistent values for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. RT-qPCR analysis of wastewater samples collected at the WWTP in Salamanca (western Spain) and at six pumping stations in the city showed that below this threshold, positive results must be confirmed by sequencing to identify the specific viral sequence. This allowed us to find correlations between the SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels found in wastewater and the COVID-19 clinical data reported by health authorities. The close match between environmental and clinical data from the Salamanca case study has been confirmed by similar experimental approaches in four other cities in the same region. The present methodological approach reinforces the usefulness of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) studies in the face of future pandemic outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Emilio Martínez de Alba
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, 37185 Salamanca, Spain; (M.E.M.-D.); (M.B.R.); (R.H.); (E.M.)
| | - María Eugenia Morán-Diez
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, 37185 Salamanca, Spain; (M.E.M.-D.); (M.B.R.); (R.H.); (E.M.)
| | - Juan Carlos García-Prieto
- Centre for Research and Technological Development of Water (CIDTA), University of Salamanca, 37080 Salamanca, Spain; (J.C.G.-P.); (M.G.-R.)
| | - Juan García-Bernalt Diego
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.G.-B.D.); (P.F.-S.); (A.M.)
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.G.-B.D.); (P.F.-S.); (A.M.)
| | | | | | - Marta Casao
- FCC Aqualia, 28050 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.L.); (V.M.); (M.C.)
| | - María Belén Rubio
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, 37185 Salamanca, Spain; (M.E.M.-D.); (M.B.R.); (R.H.); (E.M.)
| | - Rosa Hermosa
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, 37185 Salamanca, Spain; (M.E.M.-D.); (M.B.R.); (R.H.); (E.M.)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.G.-B.D.); (P.F.-S.); (A.M.)
| | - Manuel García-Roig
- Centre for Research and Technological Development of Water (CIDTA), University of Salamanca, 37080 Salamanca, Spain; (J.C.G.-P.); (M.G.-R.)
| | - Enrique Monte
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, 37185 Salamanca, Spain; (M.E.M.-D.); (M.B.R.); (R.H.); (E.M.)
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Koksaldi I, Park D, Atilla A, Kang H, Kim J, Seker UOS. RNA-Based Sensor Systems for Affordable Diagnostics in the Age of Pandemics. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1026-1037. [PMID: 38588603 PMCID: PMC11036506 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00698] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools has become increasingly vital, driven by the need for quick and precise virus identification. RNA-based sensors, particularly toehold sensors, have emerged as promising candidates for POC detection systems due to their selectivity and sensitivity. Toehold sensors operate by employing an RNA switch that changes the conformation when it binds to a target RNA molecule, resulting in a detectable signal. This review focuses on the development and deployment of RNA-based sensors for POC viral RNA detection with a particular emphasis on toehold sensors. The benefits and limits of toehold sensors are explored, and obstacles and future directions for improving their performance within POC detection systems are presented. The use of RNA-based sensors as a technology for rapid and sensitive detection of viral RNA holds great potential for effectively managing (dealing/coping) with present and future pandemics in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkay
Cisil Koksaldi
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Dongwon Park
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Abdurahman Atilla
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Hansol Kang
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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Poirier AC, Riaño Moreno RD, Takaindisa L, Carpenter J, Mehat JW, Haddon A, Rohaim MA, Williams C, Burkhart P, Conlon C, Wilson M, McClumpha M, Stedman A, Cordoni G, Branavan M, Tharmakulasingam M, Chaudhry NS, Locker N, Fernando A, Balachandran W, Bullen M, Collins N, Rimer D, Horton DL, Munir M, La Ragione RM. VIDIIA Hunter diagnostic platform: a low-cost, smartphone connected, artificial intelligence-assisted COVID-19 rapid diagnostics approved for medical use in the UK. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1144001. [PMID: 37842636 PMCID: PMC10572354 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1144001] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Accurate and rapid diagnostics paired with effective tracking and tracing systems are key to halting the spread of infectious diseases, limiting the emergence of new variants and to monitor vaccine efficacy. The current gold standard test (RT-qPCR) for COVID-19 is highly accurate and sensitive, but is time-consuming, and requires expensive specialised, lab-based equipment. Methods: Herein, we report on the development of a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) rapid and inexpensive diagnostic platform that relies on a reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay and a portable smart diagnostic device. Automated image acquisition and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) deep learning model embedded in the Virus Hunter 6 (VH6) device allow to remove any subjectivity in the interpretation of results. The VH6 device is also linked to a smartphone companion application that registers patients for swab collection and manages the entire process, thus ensuring tests are traced and data securely stored. Results: Our designed AI-implemented diagnostic platform recognises the nucleocapsid protein gene of SARS-CoV-2 with high analytical sensitivity and specificity. A total of 752 NHS patient samples, 367 confirmed positives for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and 385 negatives, were used for the development and validation of the test and the AI-assisted platform. The smart diagnostic platform was then used to test 150 positive clinical samples covering a dynamic range of clinically meaningful viral loads and 250 negative samples. When compared to RT-qPCR, our AI-assisted diagnostics platform was shown to be reliable, highly specific (100%) and sensitive (98-100% depending on viral load) with a limit of detection of 1.4 copies of RNA per µL in 30 min. Using this data, our CE-IVD and MHRA approved test and associated diagnostic platform has been approved for medical use in the United Kingdom under the UK Health Security Agency's Medical Devices (Coronavirus Test Device Approvals, CTDA) Regulations 2022. Laboratory and in-silico data presented here also indicates that the VIDIIA diagnostic platform is able to detect the main variants of concern in the United Kingdom (September 2023). Discussion: This system could provide an efficient, time and cost-effective platform to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore C. Poirier
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leona Takaindisa
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie Carpenter
- VIDIIA Ltd., Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jai W. Mehat
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Abi Haddon
- Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed A. Rohaim
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Williams
- The Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Kendal, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Burkhart
- The Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Kendal, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Conlon
- GB Electronics (UK) Ltd, Worthing, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anna Stedman
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Cordoni
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Manoharanehru Branavan
- College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nouman S. Chaudhry
- Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Locker
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Anil Fernando
- Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Wamadeva Balachandran
- College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Bullen
- GB Electronics (UK) Ltd, Worthing, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Collins
- Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - David Rimer
- VIDIIA Ltd., Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel L. Horton
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto M. La Ragione
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Song HS, Kim HS, Kim JY, Kwon YK, Kim HR. The Development of Novel Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays for the Detection and Differentiation of Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13847. [PMID: 37762149 PMCID: PMC10531153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813847] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly pathogenic viral infection of poultry with significant economic impacts worldwide. Despite the widespread use of vaccines, ND outbreaks continue to occur even within vaccinated poultry farms. Furthermore, novel Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genotypes are emerging in poultry, increasing the need for the development of rapid, accurate, and simple diagnostic methods. We therefore developed two novel sets of visual reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays based on highly conserved regions of the HN and F genes. The limits of detection of the NDV-Common-LAMP assay, for all the NDV strains, were 103.0 EID50/0.1 mL for Kr005 and 102.0 EID50/0.1 mL for Lasota within 35 min. The sensitivity of the NDV-Patho-LAMP assay, used for the strain differentiation of virulent NDV, was 102.0 EID50/0.1 mL for Kr005. No amplification was detected for the non-NDV templates. Next, we probed 95 clinical strains and 7 reference strains with the RT-LAMP assays to assess the feasibility of their use in diagnostics. We observed no cross-reactivity across the 102 strains. Furthermore, there was 100% congruence between the RT-LAMP assays and full-length sequencing of the target genes, indicating the potential for visual RT-LAMP in the identification and differentiation of NDV. These novel RT-LAMP assays are ideally suited for the field or resource-limited environments to facilitate the faster detection and differentiation of NDV, which can reduce or avoid further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hye-Ryoung Kim
- Avian Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Republic of Korea; (H.-S.S.); (H.-S.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (Y.-K.K.)
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5
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Bernardes WPDOS, Santos TG, Fernandes NMGS, de Souza Silva TB, Westin M, Simões TC, Fernandes E Silva E, Alves BM, Molina I, de Carvalho Melo M, Monte-Neto RLD, da Silva-Pereira RA, Alves PA, Fonseca CT. Comparison of diagnostic performance of RT-qPCR, RT-LAMP and IgM/IgG rapid tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in Brazil. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1081-1088. [PMID: 37210925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has become a major public health problem after the outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Great efforts to contain COVID-19 transmission have been applied worldwide. In this context, accurate and fast diagnosis is essential. METHODS In this prospective study, we evaluated the clinical performance of three different RNA-based molecular tests - RT-qPCR (Charité protocol), RT-qPCR (CDC (USA) protocol) and RT-LAMP - and one rapid test for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that RT-qPCR using the CDC (USA) protocol is the most accurate diagnostic test among those evaluated, while oro-nasopharyngeal swabs are the most appropriate biological sample. RT-LAMP was the RNA-based molecular test with lowest sensitivity while the serological test presented the lowest sensitivity among all evaluated tests, indicating that the latter test is not a good predictor of disease in the first days after symptoms onset. Additionally, we observed higher viral load in individuals who reported more than 3 symptoms at the baseline. Nevertheless, viral load had not impacted the probability of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION Our data indicates that RT-qPCR using the CDC (USA) protocol in oro-nasopharyngeal swabs samples should be the method of choice to diagnosis COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thais Garcia Santos
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nubia Monteiro Gonçalves Soares Fernandes
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thais Bárbara de Souza Silva
- Grupo de Imunologia de Doenças Virais, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mateus Westin
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Taynãna César Simões
- Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde Pública e Envelhecimento, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Fernandes E Silva
- Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde Pública e Envelhecimento, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Israel Molina
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Lima do Monte-Neto
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia Aplicada ao Estudo de Patógenos (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rosiane A da Silva-Pereira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro Augusto Alves
- Grupo de Imunologia de Doenças Virais, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Rapid and simple colorimetric detection of quiescent Colletotrichum in harvested fruit using reverse transcriptional loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technology. Talanta 2023; 255:124251. [PMID: 36630787 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is one of the major causes of postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables. Detection of the pathogen at an early stage of infection is crucial to developing a disease management strategy. In this work, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the rapid detection of C. gloeosporioides targeting the transcript enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECH) that significantly upregulates only during C. gloeosporioides quiescent stage. The assay enabled a naked-eye detection of C. gloeosporioides RNA within 23 min based on a color change of LAMP products from pink to yellow. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was 1 pg of total RNA extracted from fruit peel in a 25 μL reaction. Positive results were obtained only in samples carrying the ECH gene, whereas no cross-reaction was observed for a different quiescent marker (histone deacetylase (HDAC)) or an appressorium marker (scytalone dehydratase, (SD)), indicating the high specificity of the method. Hence, the results indicate that the developed LAMP assay is a rapid, highly sensitive, and specific tool for the early detection of quiescent C. gloeosporioides and could be employed to manage postharvest diseases.
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The Future of Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Diagnostics after COVID-19: Time to Walk the Walk. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214110. [PMID: 36430586 PMCID: PMC9693045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 610 million cases have been diagnosed and it has caused over 6.5 million deaths worldwide. The crisis has forced the scientific community to develop tools for disease control and management at a pace never seen before. The control of the pandemic heavily relies in the use of fast and accurate diagnostics, that allow testing at a large scale. The gold standard diagnosis of viral infections is the RT-qPCR. Although it provides consistent and reliable results, it is hampered by its limited throughput and technical requirements. Here, we discuss the main approaches to rapid and point-of-care diagnostics based on RT-qPCR and isothermal amplification diagnostics. We describe the main COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tests approved for self-testing at home or for point-of-care testing and compare the available options. We define the influence of specimen selection and processing, the clinical validation, result readout improvement strategies, the combination with CRISPR-based detection and the diagnostic challenge posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants for different isothermal amplification techniques, with a particular focus on LAMP and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Finally, we try to shed light on the effect the improvement in molecular diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic could have in the future of other infectious diseases.
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Jiang W, Ji W, Zhang Y, Xie Y, Chen S, Jin Y, Duan G. An Update on Detection Technologies for SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112324. [PMID: 36366421 PMCID: PMC9693800 DOI: 10.3390/v14112324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a significant impact on the global economy and human safety. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but because the virus's genome is prone to mutations, the effectiveness of vaccines and the sensitivity of detection methods are declining. Variants of concern (VOCs) include Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, which are able to evade recognition by host immune mechanisms leading to increased transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. A range of research has been reported on detection techniques for VOCs, which is beneficial to prevent the rapid spread of the epidemic, improve the effectiveness of public health and social measures, and reduce the harm to human health and safety. However, a meaningful translation of this that reduces the burden of disease, and delivers a clear and cohesive message to guide daily clinical practice, remains preliminary. Herein, we summarize the capabilities of various nucleic acid and protein-based detection methods developed for VOCs in identifying and differentiating current VOCs and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method, providing a basis for the rapid detection of VOCs strains and their future variants and the adoption of corresponding preventive and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wangquan Ji
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yaqi Xie
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuaiyin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (Y.J.); (G.D.); Tel.: +86-13523408394 (S.C.); +86-0371-67781453 (Y.J.); +86-0371-67789797 (G.D.)
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (Y.J.); (G.D.); Tel.: +86-13523408394 (S.C.); +86-0371-67781453 (Y.J.); +86-0371-67789797 (G.D.)
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (Y.J.); (G.D.); Tel.: +86-13523408394 (S.C.); +86-0371-67781453 (Y.J.); +86-0371-67789797 (G.D.)
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Fernandes RS, de Oliveira Silva J, Gomes KB, Azevedo RB, Townsend DM, de Paula Sabino A, Branco de Barros AL. Recent advances in point of care testing for COVID-19 detection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113538. [PMID: 36076617 PMCID: PMC9371983 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organizations declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic was a milestone for the scientific community. The high transmission rate and the huge number of deaths, along with the lack of knowledge about the virus and the evolution of the disease, stimulated a relentless search for diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines. The main challenges were the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 and the development of specific, rapid, and sensitive tests that could reach all people. RT-PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. However, new methods, such as other molecular techniques and immunoassays emerged. Also, the need for accessible tests with quick results boosted the development of point of care tests (POCT) that are fast, and automated, with high precision and accuracy. This assay reduces the dependence on laboratory conditions and mass testing of the population, dispersing the pressure regarding screening and detection. This review summarizes the advances in the diagnostic field since the pandemic started, emphasizing various laboratory techniques for detecting COVID-19. We reviewed the main existing diagnostic methods, as well as POCT under development, starting with RT-PCR detection, but also exploring other nucleic acid techniques, such as digital PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based assay (RT-LAMP), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and immunoassay tests, and nanoparticle-based biosensors, developed as portable instruments for the rapid standard diagnosis of COVID-19.
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10
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Yu Y, Zhou JXY, Li B, Ji M, Wang Y, Carnaby E, Andersson MI, Huang WE, Cui Z. A quantitative RT-qLAMP for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and human gene in clinical application. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:2619-2630. [PMID: 35830452 PMCID: PMC9349938 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14112] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription (RT) - loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is a rapid and one-step method to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the pandemic. Quantitative estimation of the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples could help physicians make decisions on clinical treatment and patient management. Here, we propose to use a quantitative LAMP (qLAMP) method to evaluate the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in samples. We used threshold time (TT) values of qLAMP, the isothermal incubation time required for the fluorescent or colorimetric signal to reach the threshold, to indicate the viral load of clinical samples. Similar to the cycle threshold (Ct ) values in conventional qPCR, TT values of qLAMP show a linear relationship to the copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2. The higher the viral loadings, the lower qLAMP TT values are. The RT-qLAMP assay was demonstrated to quantify the viral loads of synthesized full-length RNA, inactivated viral particles (BBIBP-CorV), and clinical samples within 15 min by fluorescent reading and 25 min by colorimetric reading. The RT-qLAMP has been applied to detect Alpha, Beta, Kappa, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the human beta-actin gene, and their TT values showed the linear patterns. The RT-qLAMP assays were evaluated by 64 clinical samples (25 positives and 39 negatives) for the assessment of viral loads, and it was also used to quantify the human beta-actin gene, which was used as a control and an indicator of sampling quality in clinical swab samples. The result of RT-qLAMP was in good agreement with the result of RT-qPCR. The RT-qLAMP assay detected all clinical samples, including those with Ct = 35, within 10 min using fluorescent reading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejiong Yu
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Johnny X Y Zhou
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Binbin Li
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
| | - Emma Carnaby
- Department of Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Monique I Andersson
- Department of Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wei E Huang
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR), University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
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11
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Dos Santos CA, Silva LDC, Souza Júnior MND, Mendes GDM, Estrela PFN, de Oliveira KG, de Curcio JS, Resende PC, Siqueira MM, Pauvolid-Corrêa A, Duarte GRM, Silveira-Lacerda EDP. Detecting lineage-defining mutations in SARS-CoV-2 using colorimetric RT-LAMP without probes or additional primers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11500. [PMID: 35798777 PMCID: PMC9261132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advance of vaccination worldwide, epidemic waves caused by more transmissible and immune evasive genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have sustained the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Monitoring such variants is expensive, as it usually relies on whole-genome sequencing methods. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternatives that could help identify samples from specific variants. Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification is a method that has been increasingly used for nucleic acid amplification, as it is cheaper and easier to perform when compared to other molecular techniques. As a proof of concept that can help distinguish variants, we present an RT-LAMP assay capable of detecting samples carrying a group of mutations that can be related to specific SARS-CoV-2 lineages, here demonstrated for the Variant of Concern Gamma. We tested 60 SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples extracted from swab samples and the reaction showed a sensitivity of 93.33%, a specificity of 88.89% and a kappa value of 0.822 for samples with a Ct ≤ 22.93. The RT-LAMP assay demonstrated to be useful to distinguish VOC Gamma and may be of particular interest as a screening approach for variants in countries with poor sequencing coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Abelardo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular e Citogenética, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas I, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás State, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Lívia do Carmo Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular e Citogenética, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas I, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás State, 74001-970, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Juliana Santana de Curcio
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular e Citogenética, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas I, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás State, 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Reference Laboratory for COVID-19 (WHO) of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Reference Laboratory for COVID-19 (WHO) of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Elisângela de Paula Silveira-Lacerda
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular e Citogenética, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas I, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás State, 74001-970, Brazil.
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12
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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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13
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Fernandes LP, Rocha MN, Duarte CG, Minozzo JC, do Monte-Neto RL, Felicori LF. Validation of a colorimetric LAMP to detect Loxosceles experimental envenomation. Toxicon 2022; 216:50-56. [PMID: 35787893 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic tests for brown spider accidents are unavailable and impact treatment decisions, increasing costs and patient risks. In this work, we used for the first time a fast, simple, and visual method based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) to detect Loxosceles envenomation. Using the DNA from L. similis legs, we observed a high sensitivity using this test since as low as 0.32 pg of DNA could be detected. This pH-dependent colorimetric assay was 64 times more sensitive than PCR to detect spider DNA. The test was specific for Loxosceles once no cross-reaction was observed when testing DNA from different agents that cause similar dermonecrotic injuries. The test allowed the detection of Loxosceles intermedia DNA from hair, serum, and exudate samples obtained from experimentally-envenomed rabbit within 72 h. The method sensitivity varied according to the sample and the collection time, reaching 100% sensitivity in serum and hair, respectively, 1 h and 24 h after the experimental envenomation. Due to its ease of execution, speed, sensitivity, and specificity, LAMP presents an excellent potential for identifying Loxosceles spp. Envenomation. This can reduce the burden on the Health System and the morbidity for the patient by implementing the appropriate therapy immediately.In addition, this work opens up the perspective to other venomous animal accident identification using LAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Paula Fernandes
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Biomimetics, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcele Neves Rocha
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Biomimetics, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra Duarte
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Centre of Immunobiological Products, Department of Health of the State of Paraná, Piraquara 83302-200, Brazil
| | - Rubens L do Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Patogens (BAP) - Instituto René Rachou - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, 30190-009, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liza F Felicori
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Biomimetics, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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14
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Lee CG, Lee D. Comparison of Laboratory Tests Applied for Diagnosing the SARS-CoV-2 Infection. KOREAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.15324/kjcls.2022.54.2.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Gun Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dongsup Lee
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Hyejeon College, Hongseong, Korea
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15
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Flores-Contreras EA, González-González RB, Rodríguez-Sánchez IP, Yee-de León JF, Iqbal HMN, González-González E. Microfluidics-Based Biosensing Platforms: Emerging Frontiers in Point-of-Care Testing SARS-CoV-2 and Seroprevalence. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:179. [PMID: 35323449 PMCID: PMC8946853 DOI: 10.3390/bios12030179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) outbreak and has unprecedentedly impacted the public health and economic sector. The pandemic has forced researchers to focus on the accurate and early detection of SARS-CoV-2, developing novel diagnostic tests. Among these, microfluidic-based tests stand out for their multiple benefits, such as their portability, low cost, and minimal reagents used. This review discusses the different microfluidic platforms applied in detecting SARS-CoV-2 and seroprevalence, classified into three sections according to the molecules to be detected, i.e., (1) nucleic acid, (2) antigens, and (3) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Moreover, commercially available alternatives based on microfluidic platforms are described. Timely and accurate results allow healthcare professionals to perform efficient treatments and make appropriate decisions for infection control; therefore, novel developments that integrate microfluidic technology may provide solutions in the form of massive diagnostics to control the spread of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elda A. Flores-Contreras
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico; (E.A.F.-C.); (R.B.G.-G.)
| | | | - Iram P. Rodríguez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | | | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico; (E.A.F.-C.); (R.B.G.-G.)
| | - Everardo González-González
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico;
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16
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ViralFlow: A Versatile Automated Workflow for SARS-CoV-2 Genome Assembly, Lineage Assignment, Mutations and Intrahost Variant Detection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020217. [PMID: 35215811 PMCID: PMC8877152 DOI: 10.3390/v14020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is driven by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. Genomic surveillance has become the gold standard methodology used to monitor and study this fast-spreading virus and its constantly emerging lineages. The current deluge of SARS-CoV-2 genomic data generated worldwide has put additional pressure on the urgent need for streamlined bioinformatics workflows. Here, we describe a workflow developed by our group to process and analyze large-scale SARS-CoV-2 Illumina amplicon sequencing data. This workflow automates all steps of SARS-CoV-2 reference-based genomic analysis: data processing, genome assembly, PANGO lineage assignment, mutation analysis and the screening of intrahost variants. The pipeline is capable of processing a batch of around 100 samples in less than half an hour on a personal laptop or in less than five minutes on a server with 50 threads. The workflow presented here is available through Docker or Singularity images, allowing for implementation on laptops for small-scale analyses or on high processing capacity servers or clusters. Moreover, the low requirements for memory and CPU cores and the standardized results provided by ViralFlow highlight it as a versatile tool for SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis.
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