Evaluation of the consistency of RT-PCR test results in nasopharyngeal and fecal specimens in patients with Covid-19 disease with gastrointestinal symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1843-1846
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ebrahim Ghamarchehreh ◽  
Mohammad Mehdi Jahani ◽  
Zahra Nourollahzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Taqman Probe ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Pcr Test

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Addition to respiratory manifestations, gastrointestinal symptoms have been observed in some patients with COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate the simultaneous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal and fecal specimens of patients with covid-19 with gastrointestinal symptoms. In the present study, 100 patients with COVID-19 disease with gastrointestinal symptoms were included. Isolation of viral RNA in nasopharyngeal and fecal samples performed using specific laboratory kits. Detection of COVID-19 in clinical samples conducted using TaqMan-probe Real Time PCR method with specific primers and probes (Pishtaz Teb RT-PCR kit, Iran). PCR test results showed that in 21% of patients with positive nasopharyngeal test, SARS ‐ CoV ‐ 2 RNA was detected. As a result, the compatibility of PCR test in the diagnosis of Covid-19 virus between nasopharyngeal and fecal results was 21%. Keywords: Covid-19, nasopharyngeal, fecal specimens, RT-PCR

scholarly journals Multicentre comparison of quantitative PCR-based assays to detect SARS-CoV-2, Germany, March 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Muenchhoff ◽  
Helga Mairhofer ◽  
Hans Nitschko ◽  
Natascha Grzimek-Koschewa ◽  
Dieter Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Diagnostic Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Pcr Test ◽  
False Negative Test

Containment strategies and clinical management of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients during the current pandemic depend on reliable diagnostic PCR assays for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we compare 11 different RT-PCR test systems used in seven diagnostic laboratories in Germany in March 2020. While most assays performed well, we identified detection problems in a commonly used assay that may have resulted in false-negative test results during the first weeks of the pandemic.

Death and COVID-19 Anxiety in Home-Quarantined Individuals Aged 65 and Over During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Anxiety Score ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Test Result ◽  
Pcr Test

Urgent measures were taken for those at the age of 65 and over who were at the risk group all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that many individuals at the age of 65 and over have experienced anxiety due to the uncertainties. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and over who were isolation at home due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being in contact during the pandemic process. The study is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was performed with 656 home-quarantined individuals aged between 65–80 years with positive or negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. A form including questions about the death anxiety and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form prepared by the researchers were administered to the individuals by phone call. Of the participants, 49.5% were male. Median COVID-19 anxiety score was 4 (0–18). Anxiety scores of the male and female participants were similar. Participants with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and those with death anxiety had higher COVID anxiety scores. Death anxiety has increased by 1.661 times in male gender, 1.983 times in RT-PCR positivity and 0.146 times in the presence of symptoms. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results or those aged 65 and over who had death anxiety and negative COVID-19 test result but who were in home-isolation due to being a contact had higher anxiety score. For this reason, those with death anxiety can be supported in line with their religious beliefs to reduce anxiety. Those with negative PCR test results in quarantine can be adequately informed about the COVID-19.

Accuracy of Computed Tomography for Detection of COVID-19 among Suspected Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2474-2476
Author(s):  
Maham Munir Awan ◽  
Afshan Noreen ◽  
Farah Kalsoom ◽  
Muhammad Tahir ◽  
Umaima Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Radiology Department ◽  
True Positive ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Radiological Society ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Pcr Test

Objective: To determine the accuracy of CT chest in diagnosis of COVID-19 taking RT-PCR-testing as gold standard. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients of suspicion of COVID-19 who were referred for CT Chest in Radiology Department of Nishtar Medical University Multan from June-2020 to May-2021 were included. In all patients, two RT-PCR test results were obtained with 7 days of admission in hospital. Presence of any of these positive was labelled as COVID-19 infection. CT chest was performed in all patients within 2 days of admission in hospital using 128 slices CT scan machine. The diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was made according to the recommendations by Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) protocol. Results: Mean age was 51.3±14.7 years. 78 (52%) patients were male and 72 (48%) patients were female. RTPCR test was positive in 89 (59.3%) patients. While the CT chest findings were suggestive of COVID-19 infection in 130 (86.7%) patients. The sensitivity of CT chest was 95.5%, specificity 26.2%, PPV wad 65.4% and NPV was 80.0%. Conclusion: CT chest has a very good sensitivity for detection of COVID-19, it can be used as a rapid diagnostic tool especially in areas of pandemic. However, the specificity of CT chest is low, that can limit its use in low COVID-19 affected areas. Keywords: COVID-19, Computed tomography, False Positive, True Positive, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value.

DIAGNOSTIC ROLE OF CHEST CT USING CO-RADS CATEGORIZATION IN SARS-COV-2 INFECTION WITH EMPHASIS ON IMPACT OF CT IN PATIENTS WITH DELAYED OR NEGATIVE INITIAL RTPCR TEST

2021 ◽  
pp. 51-52
Author(s):  
Tharani Putta ◽  
Kaushik Deconda
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Lung Involvement ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Diagnostic Role ◽  
Pcr Test

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Role of chest CT in diagnosis of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of chest CT when utilizing COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study including consecutive patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test (initial or repeat test) and chest CT done in our institute between June and September 2020. Spectrum of CT ndings, CO-RADS score and 25 point CT severity score (CTSS) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 300 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the analysis. Out of the 168 patients who underwent CT prior to positive RT-PCR result, 125 (74.4%) had CO-RADS 3, 4 or 5 score on chest CT. 32 study patients (10.6%) had initial negative RT-PCR of which 24 (75%) had CO-RADS 4 or 5 score. Of the total patients with CO-RADS 3 to 5 score (227), 20 (8.8%) had severe lung involvement (CTSS 18-25), 83 (36.6%) had moderate lung involvement (CTSS 8-17) and 124 (54.6%) had mild lung involvement (CTSS 1-7). The mean CTSS was 7.9 with mean lobar score being higher in lower lobes (RLL=1.82, LLL=1.78) compared to the upper and middle lobes (RUL=1.61, RML=1.19, LUL=1.53). CONCLUSION:CT using CO-RADS scoring system has good diagnostic performance. In addition to assessing disease severity, it plays a vital role in triage of patients with suspected COVID-19 especially when there is limited availability of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests, delay in RT-PCR test results or in negative RT-PCR cases when there is high index of clinical suspicion.

scholarly journals Insufficient Sensitivity of RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase Gene of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Genome as Confirmatory Test using Korean COVID-19 Cases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soyoun Kim ◽  
Dong-Min Kim ◽  
Baeckseung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Who Guideline ◽  
Rna Polymerase Gene ◽  
Insufficient Sensitivity

Since mid-December of 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading from Wuhan, China. As of February 21, total 75,773 confirmed cases worldwide have spread to more than two dozen countries. Transmission of COVID-19 can occur early in the course of infection since SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in asymptomatic patients are similar to that in the symptomatic patients. Therefore, more sensitive diagnostic methods are needed to detect early phase of the infection to prevent secondary or tertiary spreads. Here, we compare the RT-PCR confirmatory test results using two different SARS-CoV-2 viral RNAs from two Korean COVID-19 confirmed cases.RT-PCR method targeting the RdRP gene, which was recommended by WHO guideline, was less sensitive than targeting N genes (as per CDC guideline). Because many countries follow the WHO guideline, our findings may contribute to the early diagnosis of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Evaluation Of Clinical, Laboratory And Radiological Findings In Pediatric Covid-19 Cases And Their Relation With RT-PCR Result

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammet Asena ◽  
ilyas yolbaş ◽  
murat Kanğın
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Radiological Findings ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: The pandemic of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to be a major health problem globally. In this study, clinical findings, radiological findings, laboratory findings and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results were evaluated according to age groups in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this study, PCR (+) and PCR (-) 278 cases diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 15, 2020 and September 30, 2020 were assessed considering clinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings and RT-PCR test results. Results: 43.9% of the cases consisted of RT-PCR (+) and 56.1% of RT-PCR (-) cases. Fever was observed at the rate of 64.7%, cough 53.2%, respiratory distress 12.2%, myalgia 24.5%, diarrhea 12.9%, chest X-ray findings 48.2% and computed tomography findings 43.6%. Diarrhea and cough, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, leukocyte and lymphocyte elevation were determined as significantly higher in younger age group cases, while high myalgia and neutrophilia was observed in older age group children (p <0.05). Fever, high CRP, leukocytosis frequency, high neutrophil, were significantly higher in PCR(-) cases and the frequency of respiratory distress, high lymphocyte and chest computed tomography findings in PCR(+) cases (p <0.05). Conclusion: COVID-19 infection may indicate different nonspecific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings in children according to both adults and pediatric age groups. In addition, the results of the PCR test may give erroneous results in cases due to conditions such as fever, respiratory distress, high CRP, leukocytosis, high neutrophil and CT finding. Keywords: pediatric, COVID-19, RT-PCR

scholarly journals Association of Underlying Diseases and Clinical Characteristics with Mortality in Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadhossein Zamanian ◽  
Zohre Foroozanfar ◽  
Zhila Izadi ◽  
Samira Jafari ◽  
Hossein Derakhshankhah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
History Of ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Underlying Diseases ◽  
Pcr Test

Objectives: The first case of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was reported in Iran in February 2020. Here, we report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and factors associated with mortality in these patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from February 22, 2020, to March 24, 2020, in Golestan Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Demographic data including underlying diseases and clinical data including the presenting symptoms, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, and outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Simple and multiple logistic regression methods were used to explore the factors associated with mortality. Results: Of 245 patients admitted with COVID-19, 155 (63.30%) were male. The mean age of the subjects was 54.68 ± 19.21. Forty-five (18.48%) patients had underlying diseases. Common symptoms were dyspnea (n = 137; 55.9%), cough (n = 93; 38.0%), and fever (n = 78; 31.8%). All patients had pneumonia with abnormal findings on chest CT scan (100%), and RT-PCR test results were positive in 87 (35.50%) patients. Of the total admitted cases, 38 (15.5%) patients died during hospitalization. An old age (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06), history of heart disease (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.46 to 17.58), hypertension (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 1.13 to 30.04), smoking (OR = 11.44; 95% CI: 1.01 to 29.53), history of at least one underlying disease (OR = 3.31; 95%CI: 1.54 to 7.09), and symptoms of decreased consciousness at the time of admission (OR = 24.23; 95% CI: 2.62 to 223.39) were associated with mortality. Also, the symptoms of cough (OR = 0.383; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.88) and fever (OR = 0.278; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.74) had a negative association with mortality. Conclusions: In the current study, factors including old age, smoking, symptoms of decreased consciousness, and underlying diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and history of at least one underlying disease were associated with mortality. Factors associated with mortality should be considered so that we can better manage patients with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Validation of a Methodology for the Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Saliva by Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-PCR

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Escobar ◽  
Pablo Díaz ◽  
Diego Díaz-Dinamarca ◽  
Rodrigo Puentes ◽  
Pedro Alarcón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Specific Alternative ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Study Participants

In January 2021, the Chilean city of Concepción experienced a second wave of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) while in early April 2021, the entire country faced the same situation. This outbreak generated the need to modify and validate a method for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in saliva, thereby expanding the capacity and versatility of testing for COVID-19. This study was conducted in February 2021 in the Chilean city of Concepción during which time, the town was under total quarantine. The study participants were mostly symptomatic (87.4%), not hospitalized, and attended care centers because of their health status rather than being asked by the researchers. People coming to the health center in Concepción to be tested for COVID-19 (via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) from a specimen of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) were then invited to participate in this study. A total of 131 participants agreed to sign an informed consent and to provide saliva and NPS specimens to validate a method in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and statistical analysis of the cycle threshold (Ct) values from the RT-PCR. Calculations pertaining to the 127 participants who were ultimately included in the analysis showed sensitivity and specificity at 94.34% (95% CI: 84.34–98.82%) and 98.65% (95% CI: 92.70–99.97%), respectively. The saliva specimen showed a performance comparable to NPS as demonstrated by the diagnostic parameters. This RT-PCR method from the saliva specimen is a highly sensitive and specific alternative compared to the reference methodology, which uses the NPS specimen. This modified and validated method is intended for use in the in vitro diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, which provides health authorities in Chile and local laboratories with a real testing alternative to RT-PCR from NPS.

scholarly journals Diagnostic performance of a novel digital immunoassay (RapidTesta SARS-CoV-2): a prospective observational study with 1,127 nasopharyngeal samples

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromichi Suzuki ◽  
Yusaku Akashi ◽  
Atsuo Ueda ◽  
Yoshihiko Kiyasu ◽  
Yuto Takeuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
Positive Line ◽  
Test Cassette

Introduction: Digital immunoassays are generally regarded as superior tests for the detection of infectious disease pathogens, but there have been insufficient data concerning SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a novel digital immunoassay (RapidTesta SARS-CoV-2). Two nasopharyngeal samples were simultaneously collected for antigen tests and RT-PCR. Real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, using a method developed by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan, served as the reference RT-PCR method. Results: During the study period, 1,127 nasopharyngeal samples (symptomatic patients: 802, asymptomatic patients: 325) were evaluated. For digital immunoassay antigen tests, the sensitivity was 78.3% (95% CI: 67.3%-87.1%) and the specificity was 97.6% (95% CI: 96.5%-98.5%). When technicians visually analyzed the antigen test results, the sensitivity was 71.6% (95% CI: 59.9%-81.5%) and the specificity was 99.2% (95% CI: 98.5%-99.7%). Among symptomatic patients, the sensitivity was 89.4% (95% CI; 76.9%-96.5%) with digital immunoassay antigen tests, and 85.1% (95% CI; 71.7%-93.8%) with visually analyzed the antigen test, respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicated that RapidTesta SARS-CoV-2 analysis with the DIA device had sufficient analytical performance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples. When positive DIA results are recorded without a visually recognizable red line at the positive line location on the test cassette, additional RT-PCR evaluation should be performed.

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