Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers at ResearchPath LLC and Rutgers University have devoted their attention to developing accurate and reliable SARS-CoV-2 tests – as the different variants emerged, they were able to develop a test that uses molecular beacons not only to identify the infection but above all the specific variant causing the infection, according to a study published in ‘The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics’, which revealed that it can be performed by any facility that wants to run a PCR test.
“It is extraordinary to see that SARS-CoV-2 was not a monolithic infection with a predictable set of clinical features but rather an ever-evolving disease for which different variants produce unique clinical features that affect testing, symptoms and even which the organ systems that can be attacked,” explained principal investigator Sanjay Tyagi of Rutgers University.
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The identification of specific variants can reveal important information such as the duration of the incubation period, duration of the contagious period, transmissibility, pathogenicity and even changes in predominant symptoms.
“Knowing that a highly contagious and dangerous variant is emerging in a community can inform health and policy authorities to initiate safety measures to limit spread,” said co-investigator Ashley Hill. “It can also serve as an early warning system for health systems that need to plan for outbreaks in urgent care and intensive care. Knowing which variant has infected a person can also help determine which treatments would be most beneficial.”
The study pioneered the use of molecular flags to identify specific genetic mutations – molecular flags are hairpin-shaped molecules that can be designed to selectively bind to a specific mutant sequence, avoiding wild-type sequences that often differ by a single nucleotide .
Nine mutations were selected for testing – each original variant of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron) has a unique combination of these mutations – however, the tests conducted by the researchers were in full agreement with the results of deep sequencing, with sensitivity and specificity of 100%.
“The tools we’ve developed to track and identify the new variants will be useful for this pandemic and any unforeseen viruses or pathogens that may emerge in the future,” said Ryan J. Dikdan, lead author of the study at Rutgers University. “The SARS-CoV-2 virus is not over yet. We desperately need a worldwide monitoring system for the inevitable emerging variants that could be even more contagious or deadly,” the researchers said. “The new test can be widely deployed in laboratories around the world. The trial will be updated with new sets for each major new variant that emerges.”
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