Effective high-throughput RT-qPCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 infections in children.

ABSTRACT: Systematic SARS-CoV-2 testing is a valuable tool for infection control and surveillance. However, broad application of high sensitive RT-qPCR testing in children is often hampered due to unpleasant sample collection, limited RT-qPCR capacities and high costs. Here, we developed a high-throughput approach ('Lolli-Method') for SARS-CoV-2 detection in children, combining non-invasive sample collection with an RT-qPCR-pool testing strategy. SARS-CoV-2 infections were diagnosed with sensitivities of 100% and 93.9% when viral loads were >10⁶ copies/ml and >10³ copies/ml in corresponding Naso-/Oropharyngeal-swabs, respectively. For effective application of the Lolli-Method in schools and daycare facilities, SEIR-modeling indicated a preferred frequency of two tests per week.

SUBMITTER: Dewald F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9233713 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature