Understanding SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology from every angle

Variants of Concern (VOCs) – a growing watch list

Several concerning lineages classified as VOCs are associated with higher transmissibility, virulence, or the ability to evade the immune response gained through prior infection or vaccination. The mutations in the viral genome of these variants are associated with a change in 'fitness' or are unique to their lineage and can be used as genetic markers for genotyping. It allows discriminating from the wild-type (WT) strain or other variants. Confronting these new variants, including the Omicron/B.1.1.529 variant, demands constant surveillance and the accelerated development of innovative early-detection tools.

Table summarizing VOCs and notable mutations¹ (updated periodically)

Same-day SARS-CoV-2 genotyping results

Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are available for variant surveillance, qRT-PCR and Pyrosequencing present notably quicker options for highly sensitive detection of specific mutations and VOCs, generating same-day genotyping results.
QIAGEN leverages its expertise in assay design for these two technologies to provide your lab with high-performance genotyping assays.

LNA-based qPCR genotyping assays

Verified assays to track the current mutations

For labs that need to track currently relevant mutations, wet-lab tested LNA-based qPCR genotyping assays have been designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Their performances in terms of specificity and sensitivity have been verified using the QIAprep&amp Viral RNA UM Kit.

Note: In some cases, detecting one of the mutations would be sufficient to identify a variant of concern (e.g., Delta/P681R). However, more than one assay is recommended (e.g., Delta/T478K+L452R, Omicron/K417N+Del HV 69/70) to achieve a higher degree of confidence in detection.

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One workflow, multiple viruses

Scalable, fast and sensitive PCR-based pathogen detection and mutation verification workflows are critical, but that’s not enough.

The 2021-22 flu season is expected to be strong, and there’s an increasing overlap in symptoms between the co-circulating respiratory viruses. Therefore, the research challenge will be to confidently differentiate between these viruses.

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Multitarget detection assay

Reliable detection of multiple respiratory viruses in one reaction

In a single real-time PCR reaction using your current lab equipment, this highly specific and sensitive multiplex assay can detect and discriminate between Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV A/B and SARS-CoV-2 in under one hour – all while maintaining the workflow simplicity and research costs.

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Pyrosequencing workflow

Start tracking new mutations as quickly as possible

For labs that cannot wait for the availability of validated kits to respond quicker to new mutations, a rapid and straightforward Pyrosequencing workflow allows labs to implement new assays for new variants faster than other techniques.

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References:

1. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: technical briefings. Public Health England. See all updates.