Ultra-Rapid Real-Time RT-PCR Method for Detecting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Using a Mobile PCR Device, PCR1100.
Jpn J Infect Dis
; 73(3): 181-186, 2020 May 22.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-628700
ABSTRACT
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is usually diagnosed through highly sensitive and specific genetic tests such as real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Currently, two real-time RT-PCR assays targeting the upE and ORF1a regions of the MERS-CoV genome are widely used, and these are the standard assays recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The MERS outbreaks to date suggest that rapid diagnosis and subsequent isolation of infected patients, particularly superspreaders, are critical for containment. However, conventional real-time RT-PCR assays require large laboratory instruments, and amplification takes approximately 2 h. These disadvantages limit rapid diagnosis. Here, an ultra-rapid real-time RT-PCR test was established comprising a multiplex assay for upE and ORF1a running on a mobile PCR1100 device. As few as five copies of the MERS-CoV RNA can be detected within 20 min using the standard WHO assays in the mobile PCR device, with the sensitivity and specificity being similar to those of a conventional real-time PCR instrument such as the LightCyler, thereby enabling timely intervention to control MERS-CoV infection.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Coronavirus Infections
/
Point-of-Care Systems
/
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
/
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
/
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Jpn J Infect Dis
Journal subject:
Communicable Diseases
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
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