Multiplex PCR Kit for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Co-infection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 co-infection with influenza A or B viruses are inadequate, as they lack sensitivity and specificity, particularly in identifying co-infections that can lead to severe respiratory issues and complicate COVID-19 diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A real-time PCR-based mutation assay kit is developed to detect single point substitutions, insertions, or deletions for co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus, utilizing oligonucleotide probes and primers that target specific nucleotide sequences for accurate hybridization and amplification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used for SARS-CoV-2, then the detection process is simple, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient for detecting co-infections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivity and specificityVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection targets (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, influenza B virus) into a single real-time PCR detection system. The kit includes primer and probe sets that can simultaneously detect all three pathogens in one reaction, thereby improving detection precision for co-infections while managing complexity through integration rather than separate tests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection kit is designed with universal applicability for detecting multiple respiratory pathogens. The primer and probe combinations enable the same kit to detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B viruses, making it a multi-functional diagnostic tool that addresses co-infection detection needs across different pathogens

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate detection methods are used for each pathogen, then each detection is simple, but the diagnostic time is extended and co-infection identification is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddiagnostic time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pathogen detections into a single real-time PCR assay. By including multiple primer and probe sets in one reaction mixture, the system can detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B simultaneously in a single testing operation, thereby improving productivity while minimizing the time loss that would occur with sequential separate tests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current detection kits are used, then the kit composition is simple, but the ability to identify co-infections is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveco-infection detection capabilityVSAvoidkit composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection kit is designed with universal primer and probe sets that can detect multiple pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B) simultaneously. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability for co-infection detection while managing kit complexity through standardized reagent compositions that serve multiple detection purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If conventional PCR methods are used, then the procedure is straightforward, but the accuracy for detecting single point substitutions, insertions, or deletions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemutation detection accuracyVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs probe-based detection with specific sequences designed to target particular regions of viral genomes. The probes are designed with local specificity to detect single point substitutions, insertions, or deletions in SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, enhancing mutation detection accuracy through localized sequence matching rather than general amplification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The kit provides rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of co-infections, reducing diagnostic errors and enabling timely treatment by simultaneously identifying SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens causing COVID-19-like symptoms, thereby improving clinical management.

Implementation Method 1

The kit comprises a support, suitable for use in nucleic acid hybridization, the oligonucleotide probe can be fixed to a nucleotide sequence complementary to the genome of SARS-CoV-2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Implementation Method 2

A real-time PCR-based mutation assay kit is developed to detect single point substitutions, insertions, or deletions for co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerase chain reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20220333215A1Methods and compositions for detecting co-infection with SARS-COV-2 and influenza a virus and/or influenza b virus
Publication Date: 2022.10.20 THE HOPES INST
  • US20220333215A1 patent drawing
  • US20220333215A1 patent drawing
  • US20220333215A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention relates generally to the field of virus detection. In particular, the invention provides kits, probes, primers, kits and methods for amplifying and detecting sequences selected from the group comprising COIN-CoV2-241, COIN-CoV2-3037, COIN-CoV2-14408, COIN-CoV2-28144, COIN-CoV2-23403, COIN-CoV2-28881, COIN-CoV2-28882, COIN-CoV2-28883, COIN-CoV2-17747, COIN-IFA-238 and COIN-IFB-002 in samples from co-infection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus (IFA) and/or influenza B virus (IFB). The clinical and other uses of the present kits, probes, primers, kits and methods are also contemplated.