An inventory of diagnostic tools for detection of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akansha Bhatt ◽  
Zeeshan Fatima ◽  
Munindra Ruwali ◽  
Saif Hameed

: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-COV-2 has afflicted millions of lives globally and disrupted almost all the activities of mankind. Under such pressing circumstances when there are no effective therapeutics available, fast and accurate diagnosis of the corona virus is the only way out to limit the transmission. Since the inception of COVID-19, the demand of diagnostic tests has increased day by day and RT-PCR is the commonly used screening test which is not only time consuming but requires sophisticated resources. To address the increasing rate of spread of COVID-19, there is an urgent need of more diagnostic tools as the researches on vaccines is still at rudimentary level. This review summarizes an inventory on the diverse and currently available diagnostic methods based on nucleic acid and serology along with some of those working on novel principles viz. CRISPR, biosensors and NGS. Additionally, a gist of accessible diagnostic kits that are already approved by US & European authorities for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are also suggested that will help in selecting most effective tests under the given scenario. Taken together, this review will pave way for further strengthening the researches in the rapid and safer diagnostics of SARS-COV-2.

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shama Ranjan Barua ◽  
Shariful Islam ◽  
А.М.А.М. Zonaed Siddiki ◽  
Md Masuduzzaman ◽  
Mohammad Alamgir Hossain ◽  
...  

AbstractBovine rotavirus A (BRVA) is a frequent causative agent of diarrhea in neonatal calves. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial to prevent calf mortality from BRVA induced diarrhea. Currently, variety of diagnostic methods are being used to detect BRVA from calves’ feces: antibody-based rapid test and ELISA, and molecular-based RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the rapid test (Immunochromatography), ELISA, and RT-PCR assays, using RT-qPCR as the gold standard, in detection of BRVA in diarrheic calves’ fecal samples. One hundred (n=100) clinically diarrheic fecal samples were tested with four different diagnostic tools. The percent of samples positive by rapid test, ELISA, RT-PCR and RT-qPCR was 10%, 16%, 17%, and 33%, respectively. The agreement between different assays was 75% to 99%. The highest agreement was observed between ELISA and RT-PCR assay (99%). The lowest agreement was recorded (75%) between rapid test and RT-qPCR. The sensitivity of the rapid test, ELISA, and RT-PCR were 30%, 49%, and 52%, respectively when compared to the reference test (RT-qPCR), whereas specificity was 100% for all assays. In conclusion, none of the frequently used diagnostic tests showed a satisfactory level of sensitivity to identify BRVA in calves’ feces. Therefore, the use of a more sensitive rapid test should be used to identify infected calves in field conditions in order to prevent calf mortality from rotaviral diarrhea.


Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Rutanga ◽  
Therese Nyirahabimana

Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Riccò ◽  
Pietro Ferraro ◽  
Giovanni Gualerzi ◽  
Silvia Ranzieri ◽  
Brandon Michael Henry ◽  
...  

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a highly contagious infection, known as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in late December 2019 and, since then, has become a global pandemic. Timely and accurate COVID-19 laboratory testing is an essential step in the management of the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, assays based on the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in respiratory samples are the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. Unfortunately, RT-PCR has several practical limitations. Consequently, alternative diagnostic methods are urgently required, both for alleviating the pressure on laboratories and healthcare facilities and for expanding testing capacity to enable large-scale screening and ensure a timely therapeutic intervention. To date, few studies have been conducted concerning the potential utilization of rapid testing for COVID-19, with some conflicting results. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to explore the feasibility of rapid diagnostic tests in the management of the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on ten studies, we computed a pooled sensitivity of 64.8% (95%CI 54.5–74.0), and specificity of 98.0% (95%CI 95.8–99.0), with high heterogeneity and risk of reporting bias. We can conclude that: (1) rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are necessary, but should be adequately sensitive and specific; (2) few studies have been carried out to date; (3) the studies included are characterized by low numbers and low sample power, and (4) in light of these results, the use of available tests is currently questionable for clinical purposes and cannot substitute other more reliable molecular tests, such as assays based on RT-PCR.


Parasitology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 141 (14) ◽  
pp. 1912-1917 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIA P. REBOLLO ◽  
MOSES JOHN BOCKARIE

SUMMARYLymphatic filariasis (LF), which is highly endemic in 73 countries worldwide, is targeted for elimination by 2020. The strategy for achieving this goal is based on 4 sequential programmatic steps: mapping, Mass drug administration (MDA) implementation, post-MDA surveillance and verification of LF elimination. All 4 stages of the implementation process are dependent on the availability of user friendly and highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tools. By the end of 2012, 59 countries had completed mapping for LF and Eritrea was the only country yet to start the process. Rolling out new diagnostic tools to facilitate the mapping process will enable an accelerated shrinking of the LF map to zero endemic countries by 2020. When the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched in 2000, diagnostic tools for LF were limited to clinical examination, detection of microfilaria (MF) by microscopy in night blood samples and detection of antibodies to native-antigen preparations. There has been a significant improvement in the traditional LF diagnostic methods in recent years and some new tools are now available. This paper provides an update on the human diagnostic tests available for LF and their current applications as tools in mapping and transmission monitoring. The values of entomological indicators and parasite detection and speciation methods applied to vector populations are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruperto González-Pérez ◽  
David El-Qutob ◽  
Antonio Letrán ◽  
Víctor Matheu

It is well-known that a correct diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. In the case of allergic rhinitis due to mites, imprecise diagnosis with effective but improvable methods means that in many cases an optimal result is not reached in patients. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis due to mite sensitization have to require more homogeneously reproducible diagnostic tests that try to encompass many more of the protein antigens contained in them. With the few proteins that the problem has usually focused on, there is no they would cover many of the clinically relevant allergens in a large proportion of patients. In this mini-review we try to highlight the importance of having good allergenic sources and briefly gather information on various allergenic proteins included in mites that could be clinically relevant. All this to try to get closer to a more accurate diagnosis. We are also talking about two diagnostic tools that are clearly out of use and that should be promoted in the consultations to obtain an even greater and better outcome in patients.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 7851
Author(s):  
Koena L. Moabelo ◽  
Darius R. Martin ◽  
Adewale O. Fadaka ◽  
Nicole R. S. Sibuyi ◽  
Mervin Meyer ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against COVID-19. However, this test might not be easily accessible in low-resource settings for the early detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of access to well-equipped clinical laboratories, requirement for the high level of technical competence, and the cost of the RT-PCR test are the major limitations. Moreover, RT-PCR is unsuitable for application at the point-of-care testing (PoCT) as it is time-consuming and lab-based. Due to emerging mutations of the virus and the burden it has placed on the health care systems, there is a growing urgency to develop sensitive, selective, and rapid diagnostic devices for COVID-19. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile technology in the production of reliable diagnostic tools for various diseases and offers new opportunities for the development of COVID-19 diagnostic systems. This review summarizes some of the nano-enabled diagnostic systems that were explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. It highlights how the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were exploited in the development of novel colorimetric assays and biosensors for COVID-19 at the PoCT. The potential to improve the efficiency of the current assays, as well as the challenges associated with the development of these innovative diagnostic tools, are also discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-426
Author(s):  
Hanna Czekaj ◽  
Wojciech Kozdruń ◽  
Natalia Styś-Fijoł ◽  
Jowita Samanta Niczyporuk ◽  
Karolina Piekarska

AbstractIntroduction: Avian reovirus (ARV) infections in poultry populations are reported worldwide. The reovirus belongs to the genus Orthoreovirus, family Reoviridae. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of ARV infections in the poultry population based on diagnostic tests performed in 2010–2017.Material and Methods: Samples of the liver and spleen were collected from sick birds suspected of ARV infection and sent for diagnostics. Isolation was performed in 5–7-day-old SPF chicken embryos infected into the yolk sac with homogenates of internal organs of sick birds. Four primer pairs were used to detect the σNS, σC, σA, and µA ARV RNA gene fragments. A nested PCR was used for the detection of the σNS and σC genes.Results: In 2010–2017, ARV infection was found in birds from 81 flocks of broiler chickens and/or layers, 8 flocks of slaughter turkeys, and in 4 hatchery embryos at 17–20 days of incubation. The primers used in RT-PCR and nested PCR did not allow effective detection of ARV RNA in all virus-positive samples.Conclusion: The problem of ARV infections in the poultry population in Poland still persist. The primers used for various ARV segments in RT-PCR and nested PCR did not allow effective detection of RNA in the visceral organs of sick birds. The presented results confirm the necessity of using classical diagnostic methods (isolation in chicken embryos, AGID).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Jin Huh ◽  
Seok Lae Chae ◽  
Dong-Min Kim

AbstractWe evaluated and compared the diagnostic performance of fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) and two types of serological diagnostic tests: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen and antibody to diagnose COVID-19 infections. This study is aimed to analyze and compare the current status and problems of COVID-19 diagnosis and various alternative diagnostic methods that are viable. The enrolled subjects in our study population were tested with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ELISA and immunochromatographic diagnostic kit were used to diagnose 362 positive and 3010 negative SARS-CoV-2 specimens, and antigen fluorescence immunoassay kit was used on 62 positive and 70 negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR confirmed samples for diagnosis. As a result, categorizing by the patient symptom onset days, PCL COVID19 Total Ab EIA (ELISA) showed the sensitivity of 93.4% from 15 to 21 days, 94.2% from over 22 days, and the specificity of 99.97%. PCL COVID19 IgG/IgM Rapid Gold (ICA) had a sensitivity of 86.9%, 97.4%, and the specificity of 98.14% respectively. PCL COVID19 Ag Rapid FIA sensitivity was 93.8% from 0 to 7 days, 71.4% from 8 to 12 days and specificity was 98.57%. In conclusion, COVID-19 Ab ELISA and ICA, and COVID-19 Ag FIA are all complementary and applicable diagnostic methods to resolve the current problems of COVID-19 diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1058-1062
Author(s):  
Taanya Imtiaz ◽  
Abilasha R ◽  
Kavitha S

Coronavirus Disease-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-COV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Coronavirus-2) has begun at the end of 2019 causing a global pandemic. The number of cases are increasing exponentially and also so far there have been more than 3 lakh deaths. Some of the symptoms include common cold, respiratory distress and breathing difficulty. Some of the newly reported cases do not show any of the symptoms. Main diagnostic tests include RT-PCR and serologic tests, which are effective and quick. RT-PCR, ELISA (using different components), swab test, serologic test, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and chest-CT's are few of the diagnostic tests conducted to identify the state of the body. Preventative measures like self-isolation, social distancing, less interactions, mainly maintenance of good hygiene should be taken care. Due to advancement in various technologies, there is a constant search for different diagnostic testing methods to possibly find instant and accurate results, due to the drastic increase in the number of cases worldwide and has become a pandemic problem. Imaging using CT-Scan and radiographic modalities can also be used to consider the progression of the covid-19 caused by SARS-COV-2. The guaranteed treatment has still not been found but using few drugs show rapid or slow and unpredictable recovery rates. RT-PCR (Swab-test) and serologic tests are found to be instant and accurate.


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