Development and Evaluation of RT-LAMP Assays to Identify Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Emergence of new variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during current pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and several waves of infections by some of variants emphasized the importance of continuous surveillance. While genomic surveillance through whole genome sequencing is performed as a standard method, identification of known variants through mutation-targeting molecular diagnosis such as qRT-PCR is also useful for timely investigation. However, there are limited studies regarding the concurrent detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants through a LAMP-based method. In this study, we developed and evaluated RT-LAMP assays to detect characteristic deletions of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, we evaluated a fluorescent probe mediated method for identification of single nucleotide substitution by RT-LAMP. Finally, we discussed restrictions and perspectives regarding pathogen screening and surveillance of variants by RT-LAMP based on our observations.