A qualitative RT-PCR assay for the specific identification of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant of Concern.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a RT-PCR assay for the specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC) as a rapid alternative to sequencing.

Methods

A RT-PCR was designed in silico and then validated using characterised clinical samples containing Omicron (both BA.1 and BA.2 lineages) and the Omicron synthetic RNA genome. As negative controls, SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical samples collected in May 2020, and synthetic RNA genomes of the isolate Wuhan Hu-1 and of the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Kappa (B.1.617.1), Iota (B.1.526), Epsilon (B.1.429) and Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 VOC were used.

Results

Experiments performed using as templates the synthetic RNA genomes demonstrate the high specificity of the PCR-metho

SUBMITTER: Corbisier P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9126828 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature