One assay surveying the complete SARS-CoV-2 genome for epidemiological investigation
A major challenge for microbiologists and virologists is the prediction of patterns of evolution and emergence of disease agents. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 share the biological feature of high genetic variability, which causes them to appear as clouds of mutants. Coronavirus variants also emerge through antigenic shift within animal reservoirs, such as bats and snakes.
Ion Torrent targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables a streamlined research workflow for complete genome sequencing and epidemiological studies of SARS-CoV-2. Through the use of a set of highly specific, universal coronavirus primers in combination with a high-fidelity master mix, all genomic segments are amplified and the DNA amplicons are sequenced on any Ion Torrent system to deliver highly accurate coronavirus typing in under a day.
The Ion AmpliSeq SARS-CoV-2 Research Panel consists of 2 pools with amplicons ranging from 125–275 bp in length for complete coverage of over 99% of the viral genome and variants. This assay is part of an end-to-end solution, including a plug-in suite developed in collaboration with scientists at the forefront of the SARS-CoV-2 crisis.
Benefits of using Ion Torrent NGS include:
Fast turnaround time—get sequencing data in as little as 2.5 hours
Fewer operator introduced errors with automated workflow—~45 minutes of hands on time
Accuracy of variants—lower substitution errors for SNVs
Higher success rates—analyze samples directly with viral loads as low as 20 copies