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An enhanced isothermal amplification assay for viral detection
Jason Qian1,2,3, Sarah A Boswell1,2, Christopher Chidley2
1Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Nature Communications
|November 21, 2020
Summary
A new molecular diagnostic test using enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (eRPA) offers rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. This test provides results in under an hour, paving the way for at-home diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular diagnostics
- Infectious disease control
- Viral detection technologies
Background:
- Current SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics are accurate but slow and costly.
- Need for rapid, affordable, and accessible testing to manage infectious disease outbreaks.
- Existing methods often require specialized equipment and trained personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel molecular diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2.
- To create a test that is rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and robust.
- To establish a platform adaptable for future viral threats.
Main Methods:
- Development of an enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (eRPA) assay.
- Testing of eRPA on patient samples without prior RNA purification.
- Evaluation of assay sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection limit as low as 5 viral copies per sample.
- Demonstrated no cross-reactivity with common coronaviruses.
- Provided results within approximately 45 minutes from sample collection.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (eRPA) offers a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic.
- The assay's minimal instrumentation requirement facilitates scalability and potential for at-home use.
- The eRPA platform is adaptable for rapid development of diagnostics for emerging viral pathogens.
