Genome-based Detection of Novel Coronavirus: An Overview Study

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 2019, named COVID-19 is a global problem. According to the declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a novel and extreme outbreak, spreading worldwide. Firstly, numerous patients reported exposure in Wuhan City, China at a large animals and seafood market. Accordingly, the first idea is suggesting the animal-to-human transmission of this infection pathogen. Next, since then, numerous patients have decelerated no exposure to animal shops, indicating that human-to-human transmission is occurring. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a positive RNA virus with a 29.8 kb genome and S, E, M, N, and Orf1 gene fragments. The most popular method for 2019-nCoV detection is genome-based approaches, like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based tests that require expensive experimental equipment, a controlled working environment, and high-trained technicians; they are often lacking in massive viral outbreaks. Therefore, another rapid and simple genome-based assay was evaluated for this pathogen. In this review study, the RT-LAMP technique, as the main isothermal amplification assays with less time consumption and without the need for expensive equipment, compared to conventional PCR-based methods to 2019-nCoV identification, was discussed. Accordingly, the advantage or disadvantage of these techniques was compared. The obtained data indicated that this molecular and isothermal method could be used as a successful one-step process for portable screening and the rapid identification of 2019-nCoV.