PLoS ONE (Jan 2020)

A direct RT-qPCR approach to test large numbers of individuals for SARS-CoV-2.

  • Tomislav Maricic,
  • Olaf Nickel,
  • Ayinuer Aximu-Petri,
  • Elena Essel,
  • Marie Gansauge,
  • Philipp Kanis,
  • Dominik Macak,
  • Julia Richter,
  • Stephan Riesenberg,
  • Lukas Bokelmann,
  • Hugo Zeberg,
  • Matthias Meyer,
  • Stephan Borte,
  • Svante Pääbo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244824
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 12
p. e0244824

Abstract

Read online

SARS-CoV-2 causes substantial morbidity and mortality in elderly and immunocompromised individuals, particularly in retirement homes, where transmission from asymptomatic staff and visitors may introduce the infection. Here we present a cheap and fast screening method based on direct RT-qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 in single or pooled gargle lavages ("mouthwashes"). This method detects individuals with large viral loads (Ct≤29) and we use it to test all staff at a nursing home daily over a period of three weeks in order to reduce the risk that the infection penetrates the facility. This or similar approaches can be implemented to protect hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions in this and future viral epidemics.