Rapid Diagnostic Tests as a Source of Dengue Virus RNA for Envelope Gene Amplification: A Proof of Concept

Abstract

. Molecular epidemiological data are key for dengue outbreak characterization and preparedness. However, sparse Dengue virus (DENV) molecular information is available in Laos because of limited resources. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated whether DENV1 RNA extracted from rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) could be amplified and sequenced. The protocol for envelope gene amplification from RNA purified from RDTs was first assessed using viral isolate dilutions then conducted using 14 dengue patient sera. Envelope gene amplification was successful from patient sera with high virus titer, as was sequencing but with lower efficiency. Hence, based on our results, RDTs can be a source of DENV1 RNA for subsequent envelope gene amplification and sequencing. This is a promising tool for collecting molecular epidemiology data from rural dengue-endemic areas. However, further investigations are needed to improve assay efficiency and to assess this tool’s level of efficacy on a larger scale in the field.

SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing and whole genome sequencing following RNA recovery from used BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Tests

“…With a storage protocol that was purposefully kept simple to improve acceptability and feasibility, SARS-CoV-2 RNA remained detectable for up to 16 days. These data add to the scant literature on viral RNA recovery from rapid diagnostic tests (16-18), including for SARS-CoV-2 (19, 20), and importantly extend available information to include the Binax test, which is a common self-test sold directly to consumers in the United States (2). Wide implementation of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing from home tests could substantially enhance population-level surveillance of emerging variants, including from populations who may be otherwise under-represented among current surveillance approaches (9, 10, 21).…”