Sensitive detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 by multiplex droplet digital RT-PCR

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to develop a one-step droplet digital RT-PCR (RT-ddPCR) multiplex assay that allows for sensitive quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA with respect to human-derived RNA and could be used for screening and monitoring of Covid-19 patients. A one-step RT-ddPCR multiplex assay was developed for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2E, RdRp andN viral RNA, and humanRpp30 DNA andGUSB mRNA, for internal nucleic acid (NA) extraction and RT-PCR control. Dilution series of viral RNA transcripts were prepared in water and total NA extract of Covid-19-negative patients. As reference assay, anE-GUSB duplex RT-PCR was used.GUSB mRNA detection was used to set validity criteria to assure viral RNA and RT-PCR assay quality and to enable quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In a background of at least 100GUSB mRNA copies, 5 copies of viral RNA are reliably detectable and 10 copies viral RNA copies are reliably quantifiable. It was found that assay sensitivity of the RT-ddPCR was not affected by the total NA background while assay sensitivity of the gold standard RT-PCR assay is drastically decreased when SARS-CoV-2 copies were detected in a background of total NA extract compared with water. The present study describes a robust and sensitive one-step ddRT-PCR multiplex assay for reliable quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. By determining the fractional abundance of viral RNA with respect to a human housekeeping gene, viral loads from different samples can be compared,...
Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research