SmartAmp method can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 in dead bodies

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in deceased individuals is crucial for preventing occupational exposure.
• The Smart Amplification (SmartAmp) method offers rapid, sensitive, and specific molecular detection.
• Limited data exists on SmartAmp's utility for postmortem SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Smart Amplification (SmartAmp) method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in postmortem specimens.
• To compare SmartAmp results with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in autopsies and needle biopsies.

Main Methods:

• Eleven postmortem samples (autopsies/needle biopsies) were analyzed between January and May 2021.
• Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and anal swab samples were tested using both SmartAmp and qRT-PCR.
• Comparative analysis of diagnostic results between the two molecular methods.

Main Results:

• SmartAmp and qRT-PCR yielded identical results for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples in all cases.
• One anal swab sample tested positive by qRT-PCR but negative by SmartAmp, suggesting potential lower sensitivity in low viral load specimens.
• High concordance was observed in standard postmortem testing sites (nasopharynx, oropharynx).

Conclusions:

• The Smart Amplification (SmartAmp) method is a viable and useful tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection in postmortem nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens.
• SmartAmp demonstrates potential for rapid diagnostics during autopsies and other situations involving deceased individuals.
• Further investigation may be needed to optimize SmartAmp for specimens with potentially lower viral loads.