We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App





Researchers Warn Against Targeting Only One Viral Gene for SARS-CoV-2 Detection by RT-PCR Due to Mutation in N Gene

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Aug 2020
Researchers have warned against targeting only one viral gene when carrying out reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a report by News Medical.

A team of researchers at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub (San Francisco, CA, USA) carried out a study to demonstrate that a mutation had occurred in the N gene of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that impaired the annealing of a commonly used RT-PCR primer. More...


Testing for SARS-CoV-2 generally involves using RT-PCR to test for the viral genome in respiratory samples and is performed using primer pairs that target more than one viral gene. The protocol involves assays that target the N gene and the E gene in SAR-VoV-2, and other groups commonly use these assays. However, the WHO has recommended that “in areas where the COVID-19 virus is widely spread, a simpler algorithm might be adopted in which, for example, screening by RT-PCR of a single discriminatory target is considered sufficient.”

In July, the researchers had identified clustering of 35 samples that showed poor assay performance for the N gene, but not the E gene. In order to identify the potential reasons for this, the team carried out a study that identified a nucleotide change in an N gene primer sequence that disrupted annealing and amplification, thus reducing diagnostic sensitivity. Based on their findings, the researchers have suggested the routine use of at least two targets when testing for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR, even in areas where transmission rates are high, according to the News Medical report.

According to the researchers, their findings suggest that even in areas where community spread of SARS-CoV-2 is high, mutations can occur that impair recognition of RT-PCR primers and reduce diagnostic sensitivity, leading to under-diagnosis if laboratories used only one target for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Related Links:
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub


Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Silver Member
Autoimmune Hepatitis Test
LKM-1-Ab ELISA
New
Automated Biochemical Analyzer
iBC 900
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.