Development and production of a diagnostic kit for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by RT-PCR

There is little doubt that accurate pathogen detection methods are fundamental to any public health strategies aimed at monitoring and limiting the spread of infectious diseases. This is best illustrated by the current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization has made it abundantly clear that comprehensive testing is the most effective way to prevent infections and save lives. Of the currently available methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the RT-qPCR is considered to be the gold standard. However, the deployment of RT-qPCR tests has been rather variable internationally due to the high global demand and the interruption of the supply chain; and thus, many developing countries, including Algeria, have experienced severe shortages of these kits, which has limited their testing capabilities. The main objective of this project is to produce locally all the enzymes, primers and probes necessary for cost-effective RTqPCR kits