Development of a Molecular Diagnostic Kit for the Sars-Cov-2 Eris Variant.

BACKGROUND: Upon the emergence of the Eris variant in our country, we aimed to develop an RT-qPCR kit to detect the SARS-CoV-2 Eris variant.

METHODS: By studying the genome sequences uploaded to GISAID, target regions were designed by focusing on the mutation regions of EG.5 and EG.5.1, which are the main lineage of the Eris variant. When developing the kit, the hydrolysis probe-based detection (e.g., TaqMan®) method was chosen. Target sequences specific to the SARS-CoV-2 EG.5 variant were then specifically amplified, with amplification monitored in real time using fluorescent labeled probes. In the study, 470 samples were used, 109 of which were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from various Hospitals.

RESULTS: Of the 109 samples that were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, 67 (61%) were also detected positive for Eris variant RNA.

CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the developed kit detected the Eris variant and the rate was 61%.