Evaluation of two RT-PCR screening assays for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The recent emergence of new SARS CoV-2 variants (variants of concern, VOC) that spread rapidly and may lead to immune escape has emphasized the urgent need to monitor and control their spread.

Methods

We analyzed 2018 SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens collected between February 9 and March 22, 2021 using the Thermofisher® TaqPath™ COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR kit (TaqPath) and the ID solutions® ID™ SARS-CoV-2/UK/SA Variant Triplex RT-PCR (ID triplex) assay to screen for VOCs.

Results

The ID triplex assay identified 62.8% of them as VOCs: 61.8% B.1.1.7 and 0.9% B.1.351/P.1. The agreement between the ID triplex results for B.1.1.7 and the TaqPath S gene target failure (SGTF)/ S gene target late detection (SGTL) profile for this variant agreed very well (k = 0.86). A lo

SUBMITTER: Migueres M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8411575 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature