Identification of a polymorphism in the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 that adversely impacts detection by a widely-used RT-PCR assay
Vanaerschot, M.; Mann, S. A.; Webber, J. T.; Kamm, J.; Bell, S. M.; Bell, J.; Hong, S. N.; Nguyen, M. P.; Chan, L. Y.; Bhatt, K. D.; Tan, M.; Detweiler, A. M.; Espinosa, A.; Wu, W.; Batson, J.; Dynerman, D.; CLIAHUB Consortium, ; Wadford, D. A.; Puschnik, A.; Neff, N.; Ahyong, V.; Miller, S.; Ayscue, P.; Tato, C. M.; Paul, S.; Kistler, A.; DeRisi, J. L.; Crawford, E. D.
Show abstract
We identify a mutation in the N gene of SARS-CoV-2 that adversely affects annealing of a commonly used RT-PCR primer; epidemiologic evidence suggests the virus retains pathogenicity and competence for spread. This reinforces the importance of using multiple targets, preferably in at least 2 genes, for robust SARS-CoV-2 detection. Article Summary LineA SARS-CoV-2 variant that occurs worldwide and has spread in California significantly affects diagnostic sensitivity of an N gene assay, highlighting the need to employ multiple viral targets for detection.
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