Development of rapid diagnostic tests for multiplexed detection of COVID-19 and Influenza diseases
Zülal Bilici, Göknur Gizem Dinç, İlkay Göksu Polat, Esin Akçael, Tamer Yağcı.
Applications: LFA
Reactive species: IAV
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Abstract: Objectives
This study investigates diagnosis of upper respiratory diseases with similar clinical symptoms, specifically COVID-19, originated from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and Influenza infections associated with Influenza viruses. Effective treatment relies on rapid and accurate diagnosis, especially due to pandemic potential. This research aims to develop a multiplex lateral flow assay (LFA) based diagnosis method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A H1N1 viruses simultaneously.
Methods
Lateral flow assay utilizing gold nanoparticles were developed with specific monoclonal antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid (NP) protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of Influenza A H1N1. Multiplexing was achieved by immobilizing two different capture antibodies for both targets on the same test. Recombinant antigens were employed to perform analytical assessments of specificity and cross-reactivity.
Results
The limit of detection (LOD) of the developed system in both single and multiplex formats was found to be: 1 ng/mL for SARS-CoV-2 NP, 1 × 103 PFU/mL for active viruses and 5 ng/mL for Influenza A H1N1 HA. Negative control experiments confirmed no cross-reactivity among target antigens, demonstrating high assay specificity. The low LOD values and absence of cross-reactivity indicate excellent analytical sensitivity and specificity. Simultaneous detection of both pathogens offers significant advantages for rapid clinical decision-making and infection control.
Conclusions
Our research presents a potential diagnostic approach utilizing a singular LFA platform for the early and accurate detection of COVID-19 and Influenza infections. The proposed multiplex strategy could improve public health outcomes by facilitating rapid therapeutic intervention and successful disease management during respiratory infection epidemics."
Article snippet: Influenza A H1N1 HA Antigen:
IAV H1N1Hemagglutinin protein (DAG1604 IAV H1N1), Influenza A H1N1 HA Antibody1: Magic™ Anti-IAV type A Hemagglutinin H1 Monoclonal antibody, Clone C328 N (Cat. DCAB-TJ049 and Influenza A H1N1 HA Antibody-2: Magic™ Anti-IAV type A Hemagglutinin H1 Monoclonal antibody, Clone C329 N (Cat. DCAB-TJ050) were purchased from Creative Diagnostics.
Figure 1. Detection of viral antigens at varying concentrations using the developed lateral flow assay.