RESUMO
Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a rapid method that can replace RT-qPCR. A simple molecular assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in gold-standard diagnosis through swabs and alternative specimens such as saliva could be helpful in promoting genomic surveillance. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the RT-LAMP assay method as an alternative for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in swab and saliva samples. A total of 350 swabs from individuals with (n = 276) or without (n = 74) COVID-19 tested by RT-qPCR were collected. Paired saliva was also collected from 90 individuals who had SARS-CoV-2 RNA that was detectable (n = 30) or undetectable (n = 60) via RT-qPCR. For the RT-LAMP methodology, six primers were used for ORF1 gene amplification. As for SARS-CoV-2 genotyping, 39 swabs had the whole genome sequenced by MinION. The sensitivity of RT-LAMP to the swab was 90.2%. For the swab samples with Ct ≤ 30, the sensitivity improved by 96%. Considering saliva with Ct ≤ 30 in RT-qPCR testing, the RT-LAMP sensitivity was 100%. The RT-LAMP specificity was 100% for both the swab and saliva samples. This RT-LAMP assay was capable of detecting all the SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in the Brazilian swab samples. The RT-LAMP method has significant potential for use in clinical routines since it was capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swab and saliva samples.
RESUMO
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a major public health worldwide. Hepatic dysfunction has been seen in patients with COVID-19 and could be related to a viral cytopathic effect, an exacerbated immune reaction, or drug-induced liver damage. Currently, routine modification of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection remains an important topic to be discussed. However, there is little evidence about this thematic to support any recommendation. Here, we described a case report in which the use of an immunosuppressive drug by a patient with diagnosed AIH might have influenced the COVID-19 clinical course with altered laboratory hematological and biochemical parameters during infection.
