October 30, 2020

Novel SARS-CoV-2 Whole-Genome Sequencing Technique Using Reverse Complement PCR Enables Fast and Accurate Outbreak Analysis

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

Keywords (Tags): testing

• [Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] A novel reverse complement polymerase chain reaction (RC-PCR) technology for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated as a means of supporting SARS-CoV-2 monitoring by potentially saving time and resources. RC-PCR whole genome sequencing showed a genome coverage of up to 98.2% for samples with a maximum Ct value of 32. Six clusters containing samples from healthcare workers and patients were examined, and half of the suspected clusters were fully confirmed, while in other clusters four healthcare workers were not associated. A previously unknown chain of transmission was also identified in the public health service samples.

Wolters et al. (Oct 29, 2020). Novel SARS-CoV-2 Whole-Genome Sequencing Technique Using Reverse Complement PCR Enables Fast and Accurate Outbreak Analysis. Pre-print downloaded Oct 30 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.29.360578