Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread all over the world soon after that. Given the infectious nature ofSARS-CoV-2, fast and accurate diagnosis tools are important to detect the virus. In this review, we discuss the different diagnostic tests that are currently being implemented in laboratories and provide a description of various COVID-19 kits. Areas covered: We summarize molecular techniques that target the viral load, serological methods used for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies detection as well as newly developed faster assays for the detection of SARS-COV 2 in various biological samples. Expert opinion: In the light of the widespread pandemic, the massive diagnosis of COVID-19, using various detection techniques, appears to be the most effective strategy for monitoring and containing its propagation.
During the last century, cancer biology has been arguably one of the most investigated research fields. To gain deeper insight into cancer mechanisms, scientists have been attempting to integrate multi omics data in cancer research. Cancer genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and metagenomics are the main multi omics strategies used currently in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and biomarker discovery in cancer. In this review, we describe the use of different multi omics strategies in cancer research in the African continent and discuss the main challenges facing the implementation of these approaches in African countries such as the lack of training programs in bioinformatics in general and omics strategies in particular and suggest paths to address deficiencies. As a way forward, we advocate for the establishment of an “African Cancer Genomics Consortium” to promote intracontinental collaborative projects and enhance engagement in research activities that address indigenous aspects for cancer precision medicine.
During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the primary goal of many countries has been to achieve herd immunity through the organization of massive vaccination campaigns. Nevertheless, developing countries, including Africans, have been facing limited vaccine supply. Conventional inactivated or subunit vaccines are widely used across the world; however, their production is costly and could be limited by the supply chain during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Genetic vaccines, such as mRNA- or adenovirus-based vaccines, have been developed as alternatives but are still costly and require low-temperature storage. The plant-based vaccine concept has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its potential advantages, such as low cost, high production volume, and thermostability. In this review, we propose plant-based vaccines as an attractive alternative for massive and rapid vaccination protocols against COVID-19 in African countries by exploiting local crops. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms of action, required standards, benefits, challenges, and prospects for the application of this novel biotechnological tool in the African continent.
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