SARS-CoV-2 N Gene G29195T Point Mutation May Affect Diagnostic Reverse Transcription-PCR Detection.

ABSTRACT: Rapid onsite whole-genome sequencing of two suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) N gene diagnostic escape samples revealed a previously unreported N gene point mutation at genome position 29195. Because the G29195T mutation occurs within a region probed by a commonly referenced U.S. CDC N gene reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay, we hypothesize that the G29195T mutation rendered the N gene target of a proprietary commercial assay undetectable. The putative diagnostic escape G29195T mutation demonstrates the need for nearly real-time surveillance, as emergence of a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant with the potential to escape diagnostic tests continues to be a threat. IMPORTANCE Accurate diagnostic detection of SARS-CoV-2 currently depends on the large-scal

SUBMITTER: Ko KKK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8754125 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature