Comparison of Nucleocapsid Antigen, ORIF 1ab and RdRp (RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase) in the Diagnosis of COVID-19
Abstract
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is responsible for a global pandemic, causing respiratory or flu-like illnesses. This study prompted the urgent need for simple,
rapid, and accurate diagnostic tests for COVID-19. It evaluates the diagnostic performance of RT-PCR (real-time reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction), targeting the ORF1ab, RdRp, and N genes of SARS-CoV-2, and compares these results with rapid antigen detection tests.
Method: This study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College andHospital, Chennai, India, from April to September 2022. A total of 100 suspected COVID-19 samples were analyzed. RT-PCR performance was
assessed in terms of sensitivity and specificity, focusing on the ORF1ab, RdRp, and N genes. Two RT-PCR kits, KIT-1 and KIT-2, were evaluated for diagnostic accuracy. The study also examined c-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels as potential COVID-19 diagnosis and management biomarkers.
Results: RT-PCR demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.8% and a specificity of 59.3% compared to rapid antigen tests. Detection of the ORF1ab gene showed higher sensitivity (89.7%) than the RdRp gene, which had a higher specificity (84.3%). Among the two RT-PCR kits, KIT-2 outperformed KIT-1 in both sensitivity and specificity. The study also found statistically significant p values for CRP and PCT levels among suspected COVID-19 cases, indicating their potential diagnostic value.
Conclusion: This study supports the use of RT-PCR as the primary diagnostic tool for COVID-19, with the ORF1ab and RdRp genes proving effective targets. Rapid antigen tests serve as useful supplements in
high-prevalence settings. Further research on viral gene dynamics, especially ORF1ab, is recommended for a better understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and for enhancing diagnostic approaches.
How to cite this article:
Nandhini R V, Gunasekaran B, Jayakumar S.
Comparison of Nucleocapsid Antigen, ORIF 1ab
and RdRp (RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase)
in the Diagnosis of COVID-19. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(3):48-55.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202448
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