A new qualitative RT-PCR assay detecting SARS-CoV-2

Abstract The world is facing an exceptional pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. To allow the diagnosis of COVID-19 infections, several assays based on real-time PCR technique have been proposed. requests for are such that it was immediately clear choice most suitable method each microbiology laboratory had to be based, one hand, availability materials, and other personnel training priorities this activity. Unfortunately, due high demand, shortage commercial diagnostic kits has also become a major problem. overcome these critical issues, we developed new qualitative RT-PCR probe. Our system detects three genes—RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) nucleocapsid (N)—and uses ?-actin gene as endogenous internal control. results from our assay in complete agreement with obtained using commercially available kit, except two samples did not pass coincidence rate 0.96. LoD 140 cp/reaction N 14 RdRp E. kit designed open, either nucleic acid extraction step or assay, carried out instruments. Therefore, free industrial production logics closed systems, conversely, hypothetically distribution large quantities any microbiological laboratory. currently distributed worldwide (called MOLgen-COVID-19; Adaltis). A version detecting S available.