Simultaneous Detection of 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Influenza Virus by Double Fluorescent RT-PCR

Abstract

this paper introduces a method for simultaneous detection of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) and influenza virus by dual fluorescent RT-PCR, providing some references for the current clinical first-line practice against the epidemic. More than 1500 samples of nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and anal swabs were collected. Nucleic acid detection kits from two manufacturers of novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus were selected for the detection. Carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and green fluorescent protein (VIC) labeled probes were used to achieve simultaneous detection of the four gene targets using a double fluorescent RT-PCR reaction system. According to the analysis for the results of nucleic acid detection of existing samples, there is no cross infection between 2019 novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus. The Ct value of novel coronavirus nucleic acid in anal swab>Ct value of sputum > Ct value of nasopharyngeal swab in the same patient. Conclusion: A method for rapid and simultaneous detection of novel coronavirus and influenza virus by dual fluorescent RT-PCR was established to improve the detection efficiency and reduce the cost, which could be used for rapid and emergent detection of 2019 novel coronavirus and type A/B influenza virus.