Home Coronaviruses [Genetic] Genetic
Coronaviruses roadmap:
Diagnostic Tests

Roadmap for the development of diagnostic tests for coronaviruses

Download 202410 Draft Coronavirus Diagnostic Development_Final

B

Genetic

Genetic

Research Question

  • Affordable tools to be utilised in the field for:
    • genetic detection
    • genetic characterization
    • identification of virulence factors
    • identification of homologous or heterologous genes

Research Gaps and Challenges

  • Genetic similarities between many coronavirus lineages (therefore sequencing is needed for species identification)
  • Field adaptation
  • Different species
  • Different matrix
  • Bioinformatics support/characterization/interpretation of virulence markers or genetic signatures
  • Consideration that during diagnostics, we may also hit upon discovery
  • Biosafety issues restrict viral isolation
  • Internal quality controls (e.g. arbitrary ct values) may bias towards detection of higher viral infectious loads and some may be missed
  • Consideration that successful viral isolation may introduce lab adaptations that infer rapid changes and may not reflect wild type virus

Solution Routes

  • Protocols for different matrix (milk, mucous membrane swabs, faeces…)
  • Develop multiplex PCR
  • Purification methods for sequencing
  • On site-trials and validation
  • User friendly tools and reporting systems
  • Bait and capture, enrichment approaches for high ct/low copy samples to generate sequences where possible
  • Development of multiple systems to give a preliminary assessment of biological characterisation – genetic sequence and viral kinetics to be shared widely
  • Implementation of appropriate biosafety measures and risk assessments to ensure safe working (and acceptability from external stakeholders e.g. general public)
  • Development of standardised processes for the above

Dependencies

  • Effective training for performing and interpretation of data
  • Training in bioinformatics
  • Standardised protocols for different settings
  • Regulation for reporting – implementation of databases
  • Improve timely- communication with risk assessors/ policy makers