| Author/Editor | Žohar Čretnik, Tjaša; Retelj, Matjaž; Janežič, Sandra; Mahnič, Aleksander; Tesovnik, Tine; Šket, Robert; Jenko Bizjan, Barbara; Jeverica, Samo; Ravnik, Mateja; Rak, Mitja; Borinc, Mateja; Rupnik, Maja; Battelino, Tadej; Pokorn, Marko; Kovač, Jernej | |
| Title | Accuracy of Allplex SARS-CoV-2 assay amplification curve analysis for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha | |
| Type | članek | |
| Vol. and No. | Letnik 17, št. 4 | |
| Publication year | 2022 | |
| Volume | str. 1125‐1131 | |
| ISSN | 1746-0913 - Future microbiology | |
| Language | eng | |
| Abstract | Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of two PCR-based techniques for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha (B.1.1.7). Materials & methods: A multicenter prospective cohort with 1137 positive specimens from Slovenia was studied. A mutation-based assay (rTEST-COVID-19 qPCR B.1.1.7 assay) and amplification curve pattern analysis of the Allplex SARS-CoV-2 assay were compared with whole-genome sequencing. Results: SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha was detected in 155 samples (13.6%). Sensitivity and specificity were 98.1 and 98.0%, respectively, for the rTEST-COVID-19 qPCR B.1.1.7 assay and 97.4 and 97.5%, respectively, for amplification curve pattern analysis. Conclusion: The good analytical performance of both methods was confirmed for the preliminary identification of SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha. This cost-effective principle for screening SARS-CoV-2 populations is also applicable to other emerging variants and may help to conserve some whole-genome sequencing resources. | |
| Keywords | B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 Seegene SARS-CoV-2 assay Slovenia variant of concern |