Real-time fluorescent RT-PCR-based nucleic acid detection methods for SARS-CoV-2

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection by SARS-COV-2.. The main clinical manifestations are fever, cough, fatigue, respiratory distress, and even death. The virus is highly contagious, spreads mainly through droplets, and has wrought havoc upon human health, national economies, and public-health systems worldwide. The clinical diagnosis is based mainly on clinical manifestations, computed tomography of the chest, and laboratory examinations. For the latter, real-time fluorescent reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing are the "gold standard" for the diagnosis. Choosing a rapid and efficient method for pathogen detection has a key role in improving the diagnosis rate, cure rate, as well as reducing morbidity and mortality. Compared with genome sequencing, RT-qPCR has the advantages of simple operation and short cycle, which is particularly important for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we review the sensitivity, specificity, and practicality of different methods of RT-qPCR for detection of the nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2, and provide a reference for clinicians to choose more efficient detection methods for nucleic acids.