Impacts of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern on Diagnostics
From the below table of Summary of phenotypic impacts of variants of concern, we acknowledge that Alpha variant has limited impact - S gene target failure and no impact on overall result from multiple target RT-PCR and no impact on Ag RDTs observed. Beta variant has no impact on RT-PCR or Ag RDTs observed. None reported to date about Gamma and Delta variants impacts on diagnostics.
Summary of phenotypic impacts of variants of concern —— abstracted from COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update Edition 54, published 24 August 2021 by World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO label | Alpha | Beta | Gamma | Delta |
Transmissibility | Increased transmissibility and secondary attack rate | Increased transmissibility | Increased transmissibility | Increased transmissibility and secondary attack rate.Similar transmissibility between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals |
Disease severity | Increased risk of hospitalization, possible increased risk of severity and mortality | Not confirmed, possible increased risk of in-hospital mortality | Not confirmed, possible increased risk of hospitalization | Increased risk of hospitalization |
Risk of reinfection | Neutralizing activity retained, risk of reinfection remains similar | Reduction in neutralizing activity reported; T cell response elicited by D614G virus remains effective | Moderate reduction in neutralizing activity reported | Reduction in neutralizing activity reported |
Impacts on diagnostics | Limited impact – S gene target failure (SGTF); no impact on overall result from multiple target RTPCR, No impact on Ag RDTs observed | No impact on RTPCR or Ag RDTs observed | None reported to date | None reported to date |
*Generalized findings as compared to previously/co-circulating variants. Based on emerging evidence, including non-peer-reviewed preprint articles and reports, all subject to ongoing investigation and revision.
Relevant News:
Detectability of Delta variant by Accu-Tell® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Tests;
Successful PEI Evaluation of Accu-Tell® SARS-CoV-2 Ag Rapid Test for nasopharyngeal sample.