Droplet Digital PCR – A Superior Complementary Technique for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
I. M. Hussaini *
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
S. Gide
Desert Research Centre, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria.
B. Musa
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
M. A. Sulaiman
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
A. Usman
Department of Microbiology, Kaduna State University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Accurate and timely SARS-CoV-2 detection in suspected persons is crucial in the fight against its spread. Many techniques have been developed to meet up with the continuously growing demand, however some of these techniques lack the required accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The current reference standard technique for SARS-CoV-2 detection is RT-PCR, but studies have shown that false-negative results are inevitable and data can be non-reproducible when samples and primers are not appropriately verified and validated. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a newly introduced technique that performs precise nucleic acid quantification. Researchers have evaluated the efficacy of ddPCR and the technique has shown promising results even in specimens with low viral load. ddPCR has shown increased accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, it is less affected by annealing and amplification inhibitors. This suggests that ddPCR can be used as a complementary detection technique especially in convalescent cases.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, ddPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acids, viral load.