This is a study of validation for diagnostic techniques used on epidemiological control in the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be carried out in accredited public, private and university clinical laboratories of the collaborator institutions of the project based in Tarija, Bolivia. It is designed as a sectional validation study, using samples from specific groups of participants from the municipality of Tarija grouped according to their category with respect to symptoms and viral load of COVID-19. The sample is selected for convenience.
Diagnostic Test: RT-PCR
RT-PCR (Gold standard): Real-time PCR testing with reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR). The test consists of a polymerase chain reaction that has previously had a reverse transcription phase, RT. This test allows the cADN (complementary DNA) to be obtained from a RNA chain. This technique allows the detection and amplification of a sequence from a strand of RNA.
Other Name: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Diagnostic Test: LAMP
LAMP: The LAMP technique, like PCR, has the ability to amplify specific DNA fragments (target sequence), allowing for highly sensitive detection of pathogens. Unlike pcr, LAMP requires between 4 and 6 feeders, external F3 and B3 feeders, which hybridte with the outer regions of the target sequence, while the internal FIP and BIP have sequences in both ways that allow the formation of a loop. The LAMP reaction is isothermal, i.e. it takes place at a single temperature. LAMP has been successfully used to detect viral diseases as well as viral pathogens such as West Nile virus, TMR-1, Norovirus, avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, among others.
Other Name: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Diagnostic Test: POOL RT-PCR
POOL RT-PCR: This test aims to mix in a single sample the extractions obtained from several people. The joint sample is evaluated and, if negative, it is understood that all are free of COVID-19; if it is positive, an array system is used to detect the affected person. That is, a single PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the diagnostic test used to detect the virus pathogen is applied to a group and repeated individually if positive.
Other Name: Pooled Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Diagnostic Test: POOL LAMP
POOL LAMP: Like the RT-PCR pool test. This test essentially involves mixing in a single sample the extractions obtained from several people. This joint sample is tested and, if it is negative, it is understood that everyone is free of COVID-19; if it is positive, an array system is used to detect the affected person. That is: a single LAMP applies to a group
Other Name: Pooled Loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Inclusion criteria:
- Symptomatic: Subjects with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection less than or
equal to 3 days, preferably with clinical and molecular diagnosis compatible with
Covid-19.
- Asymptomatics: Subjects who have had direct contact with people infected and who have
not shown any symptoms related to Covid-19.
- Negative: Individuals with negative RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 (reference test) who
have not manifested any symptoms seven days prior to sampling.
Exclusion criteria:
- Adults under the age of 21 or over 65
- Subjects with a clinical history of autoimmune disease or chemotherapy treatments.
- Subjects who have received transfusions or convalescent plasma in the last month prior
to enrollment.
- Subjects with prior diagnosis of other infectious diseases such as, but not limited to
AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, Tuberculosis, or any other ongoing or unresolved diseases.
- Subjects with malformation or oncological pathology of the upper respiratory track
that may hinder sample collection, including but not limited to deviated septum,
allergic rhinitis.
- Subjects who have not signed or can not sign the informed consent form
- Subjects not able to provide their complete information or access to their clinical
history.
Universidad Autónoma Juan Misael Saracho
Tarija, Bolivia