Rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 variants, a key tool for pandemic surveillance.

Authors :: Muñoz-Gallego I
Meléndez Carmona MÁ
Martín Higuera C
Viedma E
Delgado R
Folgueira MD
Source :: Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2023 Jul 08; Vol. 13 (1), pp. 11094. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jul 08.
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: The utility of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in analysis SARS-COV-2 variants was evaluated. RT-PCR tests were used to analyse the majority of new SARS-CoV-2 cases (n = 9315) in a tertiary hospital (Madrid, Spain) throughout 2021. Subsequently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted on 10.8% of these samples (n = 1002). Notably, the Delta and Omicron variants emerged rapidly. There were no discrepancies between RT-PCR and WGS results. Continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants is essential, and RT-PCR is a highly useful method, specially during periods of high COVID-19 incidence. This feasible technique can be implemented in all SARS-CoV-2 laboratories. However, WGS remains the gold standard method for comprehensive detection of all existing SARS-CoV-2 variants.<br /> (© 2023. The Author(s).)