scholarly journals Rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using quantitative peptide enrichment LC-MS analysis

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hober ◽  
Khue Hua Tran-Minh ◽  
Dominic Foley ◽  
Thomas McDonald ◽  
Johannes PC Vissers ◽  
...  

Reliable, robust, large-scale molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 is essential for monitoring the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We have developed a scalable analytical approach to detect viral proteins based on peptide immunoaffinity enrichment combined with liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This is a multiplexed strategy, based on targeted proteomics analysis and read-out by LC-MS, capable of precisely quantifying and confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in PBS swab media from combined throat/nasopharynx/saliva samples.<br />The results reveal that the levels of SARS-CoV-2 measured by LC-MS correlate well with their corresponding RT-PCR readout (r=0.79). The analytical workflow shows similar turnaround times as regular RT-PCR instrumentation with a quantitative readout of viral proteins corresponding to cycle thresholds (Ct) equivalents ranging from 21 to 34. Using RT-PCR as a reference, we demonstrate that the LC-MS-based method has 100% negative percent agreement (estimated specificity) and 95% positive percent agreement (estimated sensitivity) when analyzing clinical samples collected from asymptomatic individuals with a Ct within the limit of detection of the mass spectrometer (Ct ≤30). These results suggest that a scalable analytical method based on LC-MS has a place in future pandemic preparedness centers to complement current virus detection technologies.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hober ◽  
Tran-Minh Khue Hua ◽  
Dominic Foley ◽  
Thomas McDonald ◽  
Johannes P.C. Vissers ◽  
...  

Reliable, robust, large-scale molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 is essential for monitoring the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We have developed a scalable analytical approach to detect viral proteins based on peptide immunoaffinity enrichment combined with liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This is a multiplexed strategy, based on targeted proteomics analysis and read-out by LC-MS, capable of precisely quantifying and confirming the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in PBS swab media from combined throat/nasopharynx/saliva samples. The results reveal that the levels of SARS-CoV-2 measured by LC-MS correlate well with their corresponding RT-PCR readout. The analytical workflow shows similar turnaround times as regular RT-PCR instrumentation with quantitative readout of viral proteins corresponding to cycle thresholds (Ct) equivalents ranging from 21 to 34. Using RT-PCR as a reference, we demonstrate that the LC-MS-based method has 100% estimated specificity and 83.3% estimated sensitivity when analyzing clinical samples collected from asymptomatic individuals. These results suggest that a scalable analytical method based on LC-MS has a place in future pandemic preparedness centers to complement current virus detection technologies.


Author(s):  
Abu Naser Mohon ◽  
Jana Hundt ◽  
Guido van Marle ◽  
Kanti Pabbaraju ◽  
Byron Berenger ◽  
...  

AbstractWe have developed a reverse-transcriptase loop mediated amplification (RT-LAMP) method targeting genes encoding the Spike (S) protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of SARS-CoV-2. The LAMP assay achieves comparable limit of detection as commonly used RT-PCR protocols based on artificial targets, recombinant Sindbis virus, and clinical samples. Clinical validation of single-target (S gene) LAMP (N=120) showed a positive percent agreement (PPA) of 41/42 (97.62%) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of 77/78 (98.72%) compared to reference RT-PCR. Dual-target RT-LAMP (S and RdRP gene) achieved a PPA of 44/48 (91.97%) and NPA 72/72 (100%) when including discrepant samples. The assay can be performed without a formal extraction procedure, with lyophilized reagents which do need cold chain, and is amenable to point-of-care application with visual detection.


Author(s):  
Karina Helena Morais Cardozo ◽  
Adriana Lebkuchen ◽  
Guilherme Goncalves Okai ◽  
Rodrigo Andrade Schuch ◽  
Luciana Godoy Viana ◽  
...  

Abstract The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pressing public health systems around the world, and large population testing is a key step to control this pandemic disease. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) is the gold standard test for virus detection but the soaring demand for this test resulted in shortage of reagents and instruments, severely limiting its applicability to large-scale screening. To be used either as an alternative, or as a complement, to real-time RT-PCR testing, we developed a high-throughput targeted proteomics assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins directly from clinical respiratory tract samples. Sample preparation was fully automated by using a modified magnetic particle-based proteomics approach implemented on a robotic liquid handler, enabling a fast processing of samples. The use of turbulent flow chromatography included four times multiplexed on-line sample cleanup and UPLC separation. MS/MS detection of three peptides from SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and a 15N-labeled internal global standard was achieved within 2.5 min, enabling the analysis of more than 500 samples per day. The method was validated using 562 specimens previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and was able to detect over 83% of positive cases. No interference was found with samples from common respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses (NL63, OC43, HKU1, and 229E). The strategy here presented has high sample stability and low cost and should be considered as an option to large population testing.


Author(s):  
Karina Helena Morais Cardozo ◽  
Adriana Lebkuchen ◽  
Guilherme Goncalves Okai ◽  
Rodrigo Andrade Schuch ◽  
Luciana Godoy Viana ◽  
...  

Abstract The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pressing public health systems around the world, and large population testing is a key step to control this pandemic disease. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) is the gold standard test for virus detection but the soaring demand for this test resulted in shortage of reagents and instruments, severely limiting its applicability to large-scale screening. To be used either as an alternative, or as a complement, to real-time RT-PCR testing, we developed a high-throughput targeted proteomics assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins directly from clinical respiratory tract samples. Sample preparation was fully automated by using a modified magnetic particle-based proteomics approach implemented on a robotic liquid handler, enabling a fast processing of samples. The use of turbulent flow chromatography included four times multiplexed on-line sample cleanup and UPLC separation. MS/MS detection of three peptides from SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and a 15N-labeled internal global standard was achieved within 2.5 min, enabling the analysis of more than 500 samples per day. The method was validated using 562 specimens previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and was able to detect over 83% of positive cases. No interference was found with samples from common respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses (NL63, OC43, HKU1, and 229E). The strategy here presented has high sample stability and low cost and should be considered as an option to large population testing.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Toppings ◽  
Abu Mohon ◽  
Yoonjung Lee ◽  
Hitendra Kumar ◽  
Daniel Lee ◽  
...  

Abstract The highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the use of widespread testing to control the spread of the virus. Presently, the standard molecular testing method (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) is restricted to the laboratory, time-consuming, and costly. This increases the turnaround time for getting test results. The study sought to develop a rapid, near-patient saliva-based test for COVID-19 with similar accuracy to that of standard RT-PCR tests. A lyophilized dual-target reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test with fluorometric detection by the naked eye. The assay relies on dry reagents that are room temperature stable. A device containing a centrifuge, heat block, and blue LED light system was manufactured to reduce the cost of performing the assay. This test has a limit of detection of 1 copy/µL and achieved positive percent agreement of 100% [95% CI 88.43% to 100.0%] and negative percent agreement of 96.7% [95% CI 82.78% to 99.92%] on saliva. Saliva-Dry LAMP can be completed in 105 minutes. Precision, cross-reactivity, and interfering substances analysis met international regulatory standards. The combination of ease of sample collection, dry reagents, visual detection, low capital equipment cost, and excellent analytical sensitivity make Saliva-Dry LAMP particularly useful for resource-limited settings.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Struijk ◽  
Anton van den Ouden ◽  
Brian McNally ◽  
Theun de Groot ◽  
Bert Mulder ◽  
...  

The surging COVID19 pandemic has underlined the need for quick, sensitive, and high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 detection assays. Although many different methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 particles in clinical material have been developed, none of these assays are successful in combining all three of the above characteristics into a single, easy-to-use method that is suitable for large-scale use. Here we report the development of a direct RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 detection method that can reliably detect minute quantities of SARS-CoV-2 gRNA in nasopharyngeal swab samples as well as the presence of human genomic DNA. An extraction-less validation protocol was carried out to determine performance characteristics of the assay in both synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA as well as clinical specimens. Feasibility of the assay and analytical sensitivity was first determined by testing a dilution series of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA in two different solvents (water and AMIES VTM), revealing a high degree of linearity and robustness in fluorescence readouts. Following analytical performance using synthetic RNA, the limit of detection was determined at equal to or less than 1 SARS-CoV-2 copy/ul of sample in a commercially available sample panel that contains surrogate clinical samples with varying SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Lastly, we benchmarked our method against a reference qPCR method by testing 87 nasopharyngeal swab samples. The direct endpoint ultra-fast RT-PCR method exhibited a positive percent agreement score of 98.5% and a negative percent agreement score of 100% as compared to the reference method, while RT-PCR cycling was completed in 27 minutes/sample as opposed to 60 minutes/sample in the reference qPCR method. In summary, we describe a rapid direct RT-PCR method to detect SARS-CoV-2 material in clinical specimens which can be completed in significantly less time as compared to conventional RT-PCR methods, making it an attractive option for large-scale SARS-CoV-2 screening applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah B. Toppings ◽  
Abu Naser Mohon ◽  
Yoonjung Lee ◽  
Hitendra Kumar ◽  
Daniel Lee ◽  
...  

AbstractThe highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the use of widespread testing to control the spread of the virus. Presently, the standard molecular testing method (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) is restricted to the laboratory, time-consuming, and costly. This increases the turnaround time for getting test results. This study sought to develop a rapid, near-patient saliva-based test for COVID-19 (Saliva-Dry LAMP) with similar accuracy to that of standard RT-PCR tests. A lyophilized dual-target reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test with fluorometric detection by the naked eye was developed. The assay relies on dry reagents that are room temperature stable. A device containing a centrifuge, heat block, and blue LED light system was manufactured to reduce the cost of performing the assay. This test has a limit of detection of 1 copy/µL and achieved a positive percent agreement of 100% [95% CI 88.43% to 100.0%] and a negative percent agreement of 96.7% [95% CI 82.78–99.92%] relative to a reference standard test. Saliva-Dry LAMP can be completed in 105 min. Precision, cross-reactivity, and interfering substances analysis met international regulatory standards. The combination of ease of sample collection, dry reagents, visual detection, low capital equipment cost, and excellent analytical sensitivity make Saliva-Dry LAMP particularly useful for resource-limited settings.


Author(s):  
Giulia Menchinelli ◽  
Licia Bordi ◽  
Flora Marzia Liotti ◽  
Ivana Palucci ◽  
Maria Rosaria Capobianchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Compared to RT-PCR, lower performance of antigen detection assays, including the Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag assay, may depend on specific testing scenarios. Methods We tested 594 nasopharyngeal swab samples from individuals with COVID-19 (RT-PCR cycle threshold [Ct] values ≤ 40) or non-COVID-19 (Ct values > 40) diagnoses. RT-PCR positive samples were assigned to diagnostic, screening, or monitoring groups of testing. Results With a limit of detection of 1.2 × 104 SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies/ml, Lumipulse showed positive percent agreement (PPA) of 79.9% (155/194) and negative percent agreement of 99.3% (397/400), whereas PPAs were 100% for samples with Ct values of <18 or 18–<25 and 92.5% for samples with Ct values of 25–<30. By three groups, Lumipulse showed PPA of 87.0% (60/69), 81.1% (43/53), or 72.2% (52/72), respectively, whereas PPA was 100% for samples with Ct values of <18 or 18–<25, and was 94.4, 80.0, or 100% for samples with Ct values of 25–<30, respectively. Additional testing of RT-PCR positive samples for SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA showed that, by three groups, PPA was 63.8% (44/69), 62.3% (33/53), or 33.3% (24/72), respectively. PPAs dropped to 55.6, 20.0, or 41.7% for samples with Ct values of 25–<30, respectively. All 101 samples with a subgenomic RNA positive result had a Lumipulse assay’s antigen positive result, whereas only 54 (58.1%) of remaining 93 samples had a Lumipulse assay’s antigen positive result. Conclusions Lumipulse assay was highly sensitive in samples with low RT-PCR Ct values, implying repeated testing to reduce consequences of false-negative results.


Author(s):  
Diana Rose E. Ranoa ◽  
Robin L. Holland ◽  
Fadi G. Alnaji ◽  
Kelsie J. Green ◽  
Leyi Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractConvenient, repeatable, large-scale molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 would be a key weapon to help control the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, standard SARS-CoV-2 testing protocols are invasive and rely on numerous items that can be subject to supply chain bottlenecks, and as such are not suitable for frequent repeat testing. Specifically, personal protective equipment (PPE), nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, the associated viral transport media (VTM), and kits for RNA isolation and purification have all been in short supply at various times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through droplets and aerosols transmitted through person-to-person contact, and thus saliva may be a relevant medium for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection status. Here we describe a saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method, and initial studies also show excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites, thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.Graphical Abstract


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1820
Author(s):  
Jeningsih ◽  
Ling Ling Tan ◽  
Alizar Ulianas ◽  
Lee Yook Heng ◽  
Nur-Fadhilah Mazlan ◽  
...  

A DNA micro-optode for dengue virus detection was developed based on the sandwich hybridization strategy of DNAs on succinimide-functionalized poly(n-butyl acrylate) (poly(nBA-NAS)) microspheres. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an average diameter of ~20 nm were synthesized using a centrifugation-based method and adsorbed on the submicrometer-sized polyelectrolyte-coated poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) (PSA) latex particles via an electrostatic method. The AuNP–latex spheres were attached to the thiolated reporter probe (rDNA) by Au–thiol binding to functionalize as an optical gold–latex–rDNA label. The one-step sandwich hybridization recognition involved a pair of a DNA probe, i.e., capture probe (pDNA), and AuNP–PSA reporter label that flanked the target DNA (complementary DNA (cDNA)). The concentration of dengue virus cDNA was optically transduced by immobilized AuNP–PSA–rDNA conjugates as the DNA micro-optode exhibited a violet hue upon the DNA sandwich hybridization reaction, which could be monitored by a fiber-optic reflectance spectrophotometer at 637 nm. The optical genosensor showed a linear reflectance response over a wide cDNA concentration range from 1.0 × 10−21 M to 1.0 × 10−12 M cDNA (R2 = 0.9807) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10−29 M. The DNA biosensor was reusable for three consecutive applications after regeneration with mild sodium hydroxide. The sandwich-type optical biosensor was well validated with a molecular reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique for screening of dengue virus in clinical samples, e.g., serum, urine, and saliva from dengue virus-infected patients under informed consent.


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