ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study was to study the benefit of the rapid antigenic detection of SARS-CoV-2 and to demonstrate the contribution of this technique compared to real-time RT-PCR. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid N antigen rapid diagnostic test (Standard Covid-19 Ag Test, SD Biosensor) was performed on 49 patients. Real-time RT-PCR testing was performed only in 12 patients. Results: Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from subjects whose mean age was 35 years (range 23-68 years) and who presented one of the following symptoms: dry cough (30.61%), chest tightness (28 %), fever (28%), headache (24.48%), asthenia (22.44%) and diarrhea in only 14.28%. The time between the onset of symptoms and the completion of the test ranged from 0 to 2 days. Of all rapid tests performed, 35 (71.42%) were negative and 14 (28.57%) were positive. Of the samples tested, 44 came from different IMKO departments. RT-PCR was performed in 8 patients whose rapid tests were negative and gave a positive result in 2 cases. Conclusion: The detection of SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated and compared to the standard RT-PCR technique, which often offers significantly better sensitivity. It is necessary to carry out large studies to better understand the issue of potential SARS-CoV-2 recurrence in COVID-19 patients.