High throughput diagnostics and dynamic risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The rise of new SARS-CoV-2 variants worldwide requires global molecular surveillance strategies to support public health control. Early detection and evaluation of their associated risk of spreading within the population are pivotal.

Methods

Between April 2020 and February 2021, the UK Lighthouse Labs Network at Alderley Park tested more than eight million nose and throat swab samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, via PCR. The assay targeted three genomic regions of the virus: N, Orf1ab and S. Whole-genome next-generation sequencing was used to confirm positive PCR results. Positive results were mapped using the postal district origin of samples to allow real-time tracking of the spread of a new variant through the UK.

Findings

In mid-November 2020, the a

SUBMITTER: Gravagnuolo AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8358312 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature