Identification of Novel Mutations in the N Gene of SARS-CoV-2 That Adversely Affect the Detection of the Virus by Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR

Microbiol Spectr. 2021 Sep 3;9(1):e0054521. doi: 10.1128/Spectrum.00545-21. Epub 2021 Aug 25.

Abstract

Accurate and timely diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical step toward controlling the viral spread, since it facilitates the identification and isolation of infected individuals. Mutations in the primer-/probe-binding sites may lead to false-negative results.

Keywords: COVID-19; N gene; RT-qPCR; SARS-CoV-2; mutation.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods*
  • Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA, Viral
  • nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, SARS-CoV-2