Novel test method detects coronavirus in highly diluted gargle samples


Date:
July 15, 2020
Source:
Martin-Luther-Universita"t Halle-Wittenberg
Summary:
Pharmacists have succeeded in detecting small amounts of coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 using mass spectrometry. For their investigation, they
used gargle solutions of COVID-19 patients. The novel method might
supplement conventional tests.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Pharmacists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have
succeeded in detecting small amounts of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using
mass spectrometry.

For their investigation, they used gargle solutions of COVID-19
patients. The novel method might supplement conventional tests. It is
currently undergoing improvements and might be available as standard
diagnostic tool for COVID-19 in the future. Initial results have been
published in the Journal of Proteome Research.


==========================================================================
The most prominent test method being used to detect whether someone
suffers from an acute COVID-19 infection is the polymerase chain reaction,
or briefly, PCR. The PCR technique is highly specific as it detects the
viral genome.

Alternative tests detect antibodies against the disease. As antibodies
are generated in the body during the course of the infection, they can
only be used to detect a past infection or an advanced stage of the
disease. Antibody tests are often non-specific and sometimes unable
to distinguish between the different corona viruses that can affect
humans. Testing labs worldwide are therefore reaching the limits of
their capabilities.

Professor Andrea Sinz, a mass spectrometry expert at the Institute of
Pharmacy at MLU, had the idea of developing a new mass spectrometry-based
test to complement PCR. Mass spectrometry allows molecules to be precisely identified based on their mass and charge. Sinz and her colleagues
developed a method to look for components of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. "We
directly measure the proteins of the virus, not the genetic material,"
Sinz explains.

For the experiments, University Medicine Halle provided gargle solutions
of three COVID-19 patients. Sinz's research group developed a method to
detect virus components in these highly diluted samples. "Although we
received only a small amount of gargle solution, we were able to detect components of viral proteins," says Dr Christian Ihling, who carried
out the tests. "This was quite surprising, and I hadn't expected it to
work myself," Sinz adds. The test is highly specific for the virus since
the corresponding proteins are only present in SARS-CoV-2. In addition,
the test can be used in the early stages of the disease when many viruses
are present in the mouth and throat.

According to Sinz, the test currently takes about 15 minutes. The
research group is now trying to further reduce the analysis time
using artificially produced virus components. Sinz is also looking for
further collaborations, including companies. "Together with a company
from Hesse, we are planning to use another mass spectrometric method
that would enable us to perform measurements within seconds." This
method would then be comparable to so-called "biotyping," which is an established method used by hospitals to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections. However, it remains to be seen whether this approach will
also be suitable for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Sample preparation would no
longer be time-consuming and the measurements could also be carried out
by non-specialized personnel.

The novel diagnostic method relying on mass spectrometry will however
not be available immediately. Sinz hopes that it will be up and ready
in a few months.

"I am in close contact with colleagues worldwide, some of whom have
had a far worse experience of the pandemic than we have." She is also a founding member of the "COVID-19 Mass Spectrometry Coalition," a research association that relies on mass spectrometry for a better understanding
of the disease.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Martin-Luther-Universita"t_Halle-Wittenberg. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Christian Ihling, Dirk Ta"nzler, Sven Hagemann, Astrid Kehlen,
Stefan
Hu"ttelmaier, Christian Arlt, Andrea Sinz. Mass Spectrometric
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Proteins from Gargle Solution Samples
of COVID-19 Patients. Journal of Proteome Research, 2020; DOI:
10.1021/ acs.jproteome.0c00280 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200715111429.htm

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