Development of the low-cost SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic platform based on reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)

A solution for a fast response to the high demand of laboratory diagnosis in virus outbreaks in the PINA network (RIIP). Severe coronavirus 2 related to acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic that has already affected thousands of people worldwide. However, the number of infected people must be much greater than those released daily as the capacity of the diagnostic tests seems to reach its maximum capacity. Although RT-PCR-based diagnostic tests are ultra-sensitive, they require expensive thermal cyclers, which are impractical for use in poor countries. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay can overcome some of the limitations of RT-PCR assays and can be performed in a simple water bath. LAMP reactions generate visible colors in the tested vials, allowing for a simplified screening test. Furthermore, LAMP can even work without the previous nucleic acid extraction procedure in swabs or sera. Thus, LAMP offers high specificity, efficiency, sensitivity, speed and cost-effectiveness. Distinct LAMP protocols have already been applied to detect human RNA viruses such as West Nile fever virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B virus, HIV, Zika, dengue, Japanese encephalitis virus and mumps. To date, no LAMP system is available to detect SARS-CoV-2. The goal is to develop an inexpensive lab-on-a-chip device, based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test, to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 in field samples. Results will be displayed on a mobile app and shared with public health authorities.