scholarly journals Rapid Antibody-Based COVID-19 Mass Surveillance: Relevance, Challenges, and Prospects in a Pandemic and Post-Pandemic World

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Augustine ◽  
Suvarthi Das ◽  
Anwarul Hasan ◽  
Abhilash S ◽  
Shaheen Abdul Salam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Testing Tools ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Economic Tools ◽  
Mass Surveillance

The aggressive outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic demands rapid and simplified testing tools for its effective management. Increased mass testing and surveillance are crucial for controlling the disease spread, obtaining better pandemic statistics, and developing realistic epidemiological models. Despite the advantages of nucleic acid- and antigen-based tests such as accuracy, specificity, and non-invasive approaches of sample collection, they can only detect active infections. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced by the host immune system within a few days after infection and persist in the blood for at least several weeks after infection resolution. Antibody-based tests have provided a substitute and effective method of ultra-rapid detection for multiple contagious disease outbreaks in the past, including viral diseases such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). Thus, although not highly suitable for early diagnosis, antibody-based methods can be utilized to detect past infections hidden in the population, including asymptomatic ones. In an active community spread scenario of a disease that can provide a bigger window for mass detections and a practical approach for continuous surveillance. These factors encouraged researchers to investigate means of improving antibody-based rapid tests and employ them as reliable, reproducible, sensitive, specific, and economic tools for COVID-19 mass testing and surveillance. The development and integration of such immunoglobulin-based tests can transform the pandemic diagnosis by moving the same out of the clinics and laboratories into community testing sites and homes. This review discusses the principle, technology, and strategies being used in antibody-based testing at present. It also underlines the immense prospect of immunoglobulin-based testing and the efficacy of repeated planned deployment in pandemic management and post-pandemic sustainable screenings globally.

scholarly journals Genetics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 and Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease-2019: An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-247
Author(s):  
Anshuman Sewda ◽  
Shiv Dutt Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Infected Individual ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Specific Antigens

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus, responsible for the ‘coronavirus disease-2019’ (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the sarbecovirus (lineage-B) sub-genus within the betacoronavirus genus of the coronaviridae family. SARS-CoV-2 shares similarities with SARS-CoV, which was responsible for the 2003 SARS epidemic. SARS-CoV-2 binds with great affinity to the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 receptors on human cells, and its ~30 kilobases long RNA genome hijacks the host machinery and compromises the host immune system with the help of accessory proteins, such as non-structural proteins, resulting in a widespread infection. The spike protein is responsible for the contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2 and, together with the nucleocapsid protein, elicits the host inflammatory response. Several real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) tests have been developed to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection in suspected cases of COVID-19. Furthermore, rapid tests based on SARS-CoV-2-specific antigens and antibodies have been developed to conduct epidemiological surveillance of the hotspot regions that are worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Until effective measures to prevent the occurrence or spread of COVID-19 pandemic are developed, containment measures are being taken, such as isolation of confirmed COVID-19 patients, quarantine of individuals who may have come in contact with a SARS-CoV-2 infected individual, community-wide social distancing, state/nation-wide lockdown, etc. Several vaccines and drugs are being tested that could target the viral structural proteins, non-structural proteins or associated SARS-CoV-2 sub-genomic RNA regions.

scholarly journals Buccal swabs as non-invasive specimens for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 030006052110169
Author(s):  
Ritu Gaur ◽  
Dipesh Kumar Verma ◽  
Ritin Mohindra ◽  
Kapil Goyal ◽  
Shipra Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Human Rnase ◽  
Buccal Swabs ◽  
Reverse Transcription Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Env Protein

Introduction The current gold standard for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA involves subjecting nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs to reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). However, both sample types need to be collected by trained professionals. Using self-collected buccal swabs as an alternative could simplify and accelerate diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective To assess self-collected buccal swab samples as an alternative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in patients with COVID-19. Methods Buccal swab samples were self-collected by 73 patients with COVID-19. Total RNA was extracted using Qiagen kits. RNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Env protein and human RNase P as an internal control was amplified using the TRUPCR® SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR kit version 2.1 and a Bio-Rad CFX96 Real-Time Detection System. Result The sensitivity of RT-qPCR from buccal swabs was 58.9% (43/73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 46.77%–70.27%) and that of RT-qPCR from saliva was 62.90% (39/62; 95% CI 49.69%–74.84%) taking positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR from nasopharyngeal swabs as the gold standard. Conclusion Self-collected buccal swabs are promising alternatives to nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs for SARS CoV-2 detection.

scholarly journals Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) related coronavirus in bats

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Geng ◽  
Peng Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
First Century ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Human Coronavirus ◽  
Transmission Potential ◽  
Disease Agent ◽  
And Control ◽  
Genomic Similarity

AbstractThree major human coronavirus disease outbreaks, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), occurred in the twenty-first century and were caused by different coronaviruses (CoVs). All these viruses are considered to have originated from bats and transmitted to humans through intermediate hosts. SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, disease agent of COVID-19, shared around 80% genomic similarity, and thus belong to SARS-related CoVs. As a natural reservoir of viruses, bats harbor numerous other SARS-related CoVs that could potentially infect humans around the world, causing SARS or COVID-19 like outbreaks in the future. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of CoVs on geographical distribution, genetic diversity, cross-species transmission potential and possible pathogenesis in humans, aiming for a better understanding of bat SARS-related CoVs in the context of prevention and control.

scholarly journals Recent Advances in Portable Biosensors for Biomarker Detection in Body Fluids

Biosensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Senf ◽  
Woon-Hong Yeo ◽  
Jong-Hoon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Body Fluids ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Biomarker Detection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Less Invasive ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Detection Of Biomarkers

A recent development in portable biosensors allows rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of biomarkers, which helps to prevent disease spread by the control of sources. Less invasive sample collection is necessary to use portable biosensors in remote environments for accurate on-site diagnostics and testing. For non- or minimally invasive sampling, easily accessible body fluids, such as saliva, sweat, blood, or urine, have been utilized. It is also imperative to find accurate biomarkers to provide better clinical intervention and treatment at the onset of disease. At the same time, these reliable biomarkers can be utilized to monitor the progress of the disease. In this review, we summarize the most recent development of portable biosensors to detect various biomarkers accurately. In addition, we discuss ongoing issues and limitations of the existing systems and methods. Lastly, we present the key requirements of portable biosensors and discuss ideas for functional enhancements.

scholarly journals Kala-azar Burden in Bangladesh- An Overview

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Santana Rani Sarkar ◽  
Nitai Chandra Ray ◽  
Md Rashedul Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Eradication Programme ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Diagnostic Modalities ◽  
Third Line

Kala-azar is one of the major public health problems in Bangladesh and the disease is endemic for many decades. In SEA Region, VL is reported from 109 contiguous districts bordering Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Approx. 147 million people at risk in these three countries with an estimated 50,000 new cases each year. Kala-azar or Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. It is transmitted by the sand fly named Phlebotomus argentipes and affects largely the socially marginalized and the poorest communities. The parasite migrates to the internal organs such as liver, spleen and bone marrow and if left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host. Signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and substantial swelling of the spleen and occasionally liver. In Bangladesh, kala-azar cases were reported from 45 of 64 districts, >90% of cases were reported from just 10 districts. Mymensingh accounted for more than 50% of the total kala-azar cases reported in Bangladesh. Research in recent years has demonstrated the utility of non-invasive diagnostic modalities such as the direct agglutination test and rapid tests based on the immune response to the rK39 antigen. Primary kala-azar now can be easily recognized and effective treatment is available. Clinical trials in Bangladesh have reported encouraging results with amphotericin B (recommended as a third-line drug by the National Malaria Eradication Programme). Until a safe and effective vaccine is developed, a combination of sandfly control, detection and treatment of patients and prevention of drug resistance is the best approach for controlling kala-azar. CBMJ 2020 January: Vol. 09 No. 01 P: 43-50

scholarly journals Metagenomic analysis of fecal and tissue samples from 18 endemic bat species in Switzerland revealed a diverse virus composition including potentially zoonotic viruses

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252534
Author(s):  
Isabelle Hardmeier ◽  
Nadja Aeberhard ◽  
Weihong Qi ◽  
Katja Schoenbaechler ◽  
Hubert Kraettli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Zoonotic Virus ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
Zoonotic Risk ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
Diverse Virus

Many recent disease outbreaks in humans had a zoonotic virus etiology. Bats in particular have been recognized as reservoirs to a large variety of viruses with the potential to cross-species transmission. In order to assess the risk of bats in Switzerland for such transmissions, we determined the virome of tissue and fecal samples of 14 native and 4 migrating bat species. In total, sequences belonging to 39 different virus families, 16 of which are known to infect vertebrates, were detected. Contigs of coronaviruses, adenoviruses, hepeviruses, rotaviruses A and H, and parvoviruses with potential zoonotic risk were characterized in more detail. Most interestingly, in a ground stool sample of a Vespertilio murinus colony an almost complete genome of a Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was detected by Next generation sequencing and confirmed by PCR. In conclusion, bats in Switzerland naturally harbour many different viruses. Metagenomic analyses of non-invasive samples like ground stool may support effective surveillance and early detection of viral zoonoses.

scholarly journals Development of a Colloidal Gold-Based Immunochromatographic Strip for Rapid Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Protein

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ge Li ◽  
Aiping Wang ◽  
Yumei Chen ◽  
Yaning Sun ◽  
Yongkun Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Colloidal Gold ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Chinese Hamster ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Ovary Cell ◽  
Immunochromatographic Strip ◽  
Specific Reactions

The outbreak and worldwide pandemic of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have a significant impact on global economy and human health. In order to reduce the disease spread, 16 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) again SARS-CoV-2 were generated by immunized mice with the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), which was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO). A colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip was developed with two McAbs to detect SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which can play a potential role in monitoring vaccine quality. The strip is highly specific, detecting only SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and does not show any non-specific reactions with syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other coronavirus and influenza viruses. The strip detected subunit vaccine in our laboratory with a detection limit of spike protein of 62.5 ng/mL. This strip provides an effective method in monitoring vaccine quality by detecting the antigen content of spike protein.

scholarly journals A New Era of Epidemiology: Digital Epidemiology for Investigating the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

10.2196/21685 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e21685
Author(s):  
Zonglin He ◽  
Casper J P Zhang ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
Jingyan Zhai ◽  
Shuang Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Digital Epidemiology

A novel pneumonia-like coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 has swept across China and the world. Public health measures that were effective in previous infection outbreaks (eg, wearing a face mask, quarantining) were implemented in this outbreak. Available multidimensional social network data that take advantage of the recent rapid development of information and communication technologies allow for an exploration of disease spread and control via a modernized epidemiological approach. By using spatiotemporal data and real-time information, we can provide more accurate estimates of disease spread patterns related to human activities and enable more efficient responses to the outbreak. Two real cases during the COVID-19 outbreak demonstrated the application of emerging technologies and digital data in monitoring human movements related to disease spread. Although the ethical issues related to using digital epidemiology are still under debate, the cases reported in this article may enable the identification of more effective public health measures, as well as future applications of such digitally directed epidemiological approaches in controlling infectious disease outbreaks, which offer an alternative and modern outlook on addressing the long-standing challenges in population health.

scholarly journals Host size and proximity to diseased neighbours drive the spread of a coral disease outbreak in Hawai‘i

2018 ◽  
Vol 285 (1870) ◽  
pp. 20172265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M. Caldwell ◽  
Megan J. Donahue ◽  
C. Drew Harvell
Keyword(s):  
Disease Risk ◽  
Coral Disease ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Host Size ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Wildlife Diseases ◽  
Infectious Individual ◽  
Force Of Infection ◽  
Affected Tissue

Understanding how disease risk varies over time and across heterogeneous populations is critical for managing disease outbreaks, but this information is rarely known for wildlife diseases. Here, we demonstrate that variation in host and pathogen factors drive the direction, duration and intensity of a coral disease outbreak. We collected longitudinal health data for 200 coral colonies, and found that disease risk increased with host size and severity of diseased neighbours, and disease spread was highest among individuals between 5 and 20 m apart. Disease risk increased by 2% with every 10 cm increase in host size. Healthy colonies with severely diseased neighbours (greater than 75% affected tissue) were 1.6 times more likely to develop disease signs compared with colonies with moderately diseased neighbours (25–75% affected tissue). Force of infection ranged from 7 to 20 disease cases per 1000 colonies (mean = 15 cases per 1000 colonies). The effective reproductive ratio, or average number of secondary infections per infectious individual, ranged from 0.16 to 1.22. Probability of transmission depended strongly on proximity to diseased neighbours, which demonstrates that marine disease spread can be highly constrained within patch reefs.

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