Diagnostic tool quickly identifies emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants – molecular-diagnosis

Image: Molecular diagnostic tool, Intelli-OVI, offers the potential for continuous monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus presents ongoing challenges to public health monitoring and response, despite increasing vaccinations and herd immunity of previous infections, which have helped reduce severe cases compared to the initial stages of the pandemic. While traditional methods such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) offer high accuracy, they are time-consuming and expensive. Researchers have made significant progress in the battle against COVID-19 by developing an innovative diagnostic tool that can quickly identify emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This new system combines advanced DNA detection technology with sophisticated computational algorithms to provide a faster, more affordable method for monitoring viral mutations, a crucial tool for managing future pandemics.

A team of researchers at Kumamoto University (Kumamoto, Japan) developed the novel Intelli-OVI diagnostic tool, which integrates IntelliPlex microdisk technology with an innovative algorithm called Objective Variant Identification (OVI). This system offers a faster alternative to detect and distinguish more than 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants with high precision. IntelliPlex technology uses a microdisk printed with a unique pictorial pattern (πCode), which allows the system to capture and analyze specific genetic mutations of the virus. This process allows the system to simultaneously manage multiple viral mutations, greatly accelerating detection. The OVI algorithm then interprets the data to identify both known and new variants by analyzing unique mutation patterns.

In laboratory tests, Intelli-OVI successfully identified more than 20 variants, including several subtypes of the omicron variant, using 35 different DNA probes. Unlike traditional PCR-based methods, which can only detect a limited number of mutations, Intelli-OVI has the theoretical ability to analyze up to 100 viral mutation sites at a time, making it one of the leading diagnostic tools. most complete available. The successful development of Intelli-OVI has the potential to make a significant contribution to global pandemic preparedness. The research team anticipates that this technology could be applied to other rapidly evolving viruses, offering an essential tool for early detection and containment strategies.

“Our system can be easily updated to track new viral mutations,” said Professor Yorifumi Satou, principal investigator at the Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection (JRCHRI) at Kumamoto University. “This new diagnostic tool has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor viral mutations, not only for COVID-19, but also for future pandemics.”