A collection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) detection assays, issues, and challenges

Abstract

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has rapidly increased the number of infected cases as well as asymptomatic individuals in many, if not all the societies around the world. This issue increases the demand for accurate and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. While accurate and rapid detection is critical for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2, the appropriate course of treatment must be chosen to help patients and prevent its further spread. Testing platform accuracy with high sensitivity and specificity for SARS-CoV-2 is equally important for clinical, regional, and global arenas to mitigate secondary transmission rounds. The objective of this article is to compare the current detection technology and introduce the most accurate and rapid ones that are suitable for pandemic circumstances. Hence, the importance of rapid detection in societies is discussed initially. Following this, the current technology for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is explained and classified into three different categories: nucleic acid-based, protein-based, and point of care (PoC) detection testing. Then, the current issues for diagnostic procedures in laboratories are discussed. Finally, the role of new technologies in countering COVID-19 is also introduced to assist researchers in the development of accurate and timely detection of coronaviruses. As coronavirus continues to affect human lives in a detrimental manner, the development of rapid and accurate virus detection methods could promote COVID-19 diagnosis accessible to both individuals and the mass population at patient care. In this regard, rRT-PCR and multiplex RT-PCR detection techniques hold promise.

Long-term follow-up of production of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among patients with COVID-19

“…In COVID-19, infection by SARS-CoV-2 induces the production of IL-6, causing a cytokine storm associated with systemic inflammation 17,18 . Investigations for SARS-CoV-2 infection include genetic tests, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) , and immunological assays targeting the antigen or antibody 19,20 . The RT-PCR test detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva and is widely used to diagnose COVID-19 20,21 .…”

“…Investigations for SARS-CoV-2 infection include genetic tests, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) , and immunological assays targeting the antigen or antibody 19,20 . The RT-PCR test detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva and is widely used to diagnose COVID-19 20,21 . The immunological antigen test can detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasopharyngeal swabs and diagnose COVID-19.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Detection Methods

“…Currently, there are several detection methods available, but due to the worldwide need their availability was limited, especially in the first year of the pandemic. Most of these constraints were linked to the lack of equipment and reagents, defective test kits, and excessive waiting time before results, hence the emergency in developing fast, sensitive, and cost-effective tools [1]. Since it has been proven that early detection has a great impact in decreasing the number of cases, it is imperative to enhance the availability and specificity of tests, as well as diminish the time from sample collection to test result [2].…”

Using an ultra-compact optical system to improve lateral flow immunoassay results quantitatively

“…Previous studies have shown that micro-sized AuNPs produce reds from light to dark that are visible to the naked eye when they react with the aggregation of gold nanoparticles. This color reaction is related to the size and shape of gold nanoparticles [ 15 , 16 ]. Therefore, if the rapid test strips used for the LFIA react with a particular disease or symptom, their test lines turn magenta, whose concentration indicates the mild, moderate, or severe level of the condition examined [ 4 , 17 ].…”