Accessible and Adaptable Multiplexed Real-Time PCR Approaches to Identify SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.
Microbiol Spectr
; 10(5): e0322222, 2022 Oct 26.
Artículo
en Inglés
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2029477
ABSTRACT
Rapid identification and continuous surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants are critical for guiding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a preferred tool for this aim, but many laboratories suffer from a lack of resources to support population-level sequencing. Here, we describe two PCR strategies targeting spike protein mutations to identify the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Signature mutations were selected using a dedicated bioinformatic program. The selected mutations in Alpha and Delta variants were detected using multicolor melting curve analysis (MMCA). Thirty-two mutations of the Omicron variant were targeted using the MeltArray approach in one reaction, which was able to detect the Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/5. The limits of detection varied from five to 50 copies of RNA templates/reactions. No cross-reactivity was observed with nine other respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses. We validated the MMCA and MeltArray assays using 309 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected at different time points. These assays exhibited 98.3% to 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared with WGS. Multiplexed real-time PCR strategies represent an alternative tool capable of identifying current SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, adaptable for emerging variants and accessible for laboratories using existing equipment and personnel. IMPORTANCE Rapid detection and mutation surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs is crucial for COVID-19 control, management, and prevention. We developed two rapid molecular assays based on the real-time PCR platform to identify important variants of concern, including the Omicron variant with a large number of mutations. Signature mutations were selected by an R program. Then, MMCA assays were established for Alpha and Delta variants, and a MeltArray assay targeting 32 mutations was developed for Omicron variant. These multiplexed PCR assays could be performed in a 96-well real-time PCR instrument within 2.5 h, offering a high-throughput choice for dynamic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in a standard microbiology laboratory.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
Disponible
Colección:
Bases de datos internacionales
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Estudios diagnósticos
/
Estudio pronóstico
/
Ensayo controlado aleatorizado
Tópicos:
Variantes
Límite:
Humanos
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
Microbiol Spectr
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
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