A systematic review of rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection methods for mitigating future outbreaks of emerging or historical pathogens

Abstract

In recent years, the widespread spread of many viruses among populations, e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), monkeypox, and Middle East respiratory syndrome, has posed a huge threat to human life and health and the global economy. Especially, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been a wake-up call and stimulated the development of rapid detection and point-of-care testing (POCT) field. How to quickly establish POCT methods and rapidly detect pathogens to control the virus epidemic in the population has become a hot research topic. In this review, we first analyzed the pros and cons of different detection methods based on target types, including nucleic acids, antigens, and antibodies. Then we summarized the performances of the integrated detection platforms and devices in combination with these detection methods, such as isothermal amplification, lateral flow assays (LFAs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), electrochemistry, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor. It also discusses how to solve the problems of long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) times and the non-portability of PCR instruments. This summary can enhance the comprehension of researchers in rapidly establishing POCT methods, thereby facilitating their industrial application to scientifically respond to the next outbreak of novel or historical pathogens. This endeavor aims to effectively reduce the societal and economic ramifications of new emerging pathogens in epidemics, particularly in countries with large populations or limited medical infrastructure.