Molecular diagnostic approaches for SARS-CoV-2 detection and pathophysiological consequences.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in significant global health and economic impacts.
• Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste/smell, with severe cases leading to viral pneumonitis and fatalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in diagnostic technologies for COVID-19.
• To discuss the evolution and current landscape of SARS-CoV-2 detection methods.
• To highlight the limitations and ongoing needs in COVID-19 diagnostics and surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) for viral RNA detection.
• Antigen tests for identifying specific viral proteins.
• Serological tests for detecting antibodies.
• Genomic surveillance using Illumina and nanopore metagenomic sequencing (SMTN) for variant identification.

Main Results:

• RT-qPCR remains a primary diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• Antigen and serological tests offer rapid detection and antibody identification, respectively.
• Saliva-based tests provide a non-invasive sample collection alternative.
• Genomic surveillance is crucial for monitoring evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has seen remarkable progress.
• No single diagnostic method is perfect; limitations in sensitivity, specificity, sample collection, and viral load detection persist.
• Continuous innovation and genomic surveillance are essential for effective pandemic management.