SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR to Screen for B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant of Concern

Abstract

The continuous transmission and evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has required that diagnostic capabilities be constantly monitored and updated as new variants emerge and prior variants disappear. Although whole genome sequencing provides full characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 directly from patient samples, this has limited throughput and requires sufficient resources. To enhance screening for circulating variants, we designed a rapid in-house RT-PCR assay to target a spike mutation (D950N) in Delta variants, which is not detected in the remaining variants of concern (VOCs). Assay sensitivity for detecting Delta variants was 93% and specificity was 100% using a sequenced sample bank of several lineages. As the D950N mutation is prevalent in >95% of the global Delta variant sequences deposited in GISAID, this assay has the potential to provide rapid results to determine if the samples are presumptively Delta variants and can support clinicians in timely clinical decision-making for effective treatments and surveillance.

A Multiplexed SERS Microassay for Accurate Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern

“…Observational studies suggest there are differences in how the variants physically present and that they may infect different regions of the respiratory system, however, there is no scientific evidence to reinforce this theory yet. , Further studies are needed in the immune reaction through cytokine monitoring to uncrypt the possible differences between each variant. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to delineate between variants when testing for SARS-CoV-2 as a single monoclonal therapy cannot treat each VOC, and therefore, to have sufficient clinical treatment, dual detection is necessary …”

“…Nevertheless, it is extremely important to delineate between variants when testing for SARS-CoV-2 as a single monoclonal therapy cannot treat each VOC, and therefore, to have sufficient clinical treatment, dual detection is necessary. 14 Despite this, there is still a necessity to track COVID-19 cases, especially with the likelihood of viral transmission and reinfection from animals to humans. It is believed that the virus originally transferred into humans from a wet market in Wuhan, China.…”