Abstract
Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are causative agents of mild to severe intestinal and respiratory infections in humans. In the last 15 years, we have witnessed the emergence of three zoonotic, highly pathogenic HCoVs. Thus, early and accurate detection of these viral pathogens is essential for preventing transmission and providing timely treatment and monitoring of drug resistance. Herein, we applied enhanced darkfield hyperspectral microscopy (EDHM), a novel non-invasive, label-free diagnostic tool, to rapidly and accurately identify two strains of HCoVs, i.e., OC43 and 229E. The EDHM technology allows collecting the optical image with spectral and spatial details in a single measurement without direct contact between the specimen and the sensor. Thus, it can directly map spectral signatures specific for a given viral strain in a complex biological milieu. Our study demonstrated distinct spectral patterns for HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E virions in the solution, serving as distinguishable parameters for their differentiation. Furthermore, spectral signatures obtained for both HCoV strains in the infected cells displayed a considerable peak wavelength shift compared to the uninfected cell, indicating that the EDHM is applicable to detect HCoV infection in mammalian cells.
Highlights
Viruses belonging to different families pose a continuous threat to public health and worldwide stability
The viral particles within the infected cell milieu were highly dispersed and scattered light less effectively than larger, brighter signals obtained for purified virion samples
Recognition of the importance of community diseases caused by human coronaviruses has increased in recent years; detailed information on pathogenesis, immunity, and viral characteristics remains limited
Summary
Viruses belonging to different families pose a continuous threat to public health and worldwide stability. Four human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are globally endemic, including two Alphacoronavirus (HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63) and two Betacoronavirus (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1). These HCoVs account for 10% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults [4]. About 120 years ago, HCoV-OC43, which was considered to have a common ancestor with bovine coronavirus, was transmitted from cattle to humans [5]. In 2002 a Betacoronavirus originating in bats spread from civets to humans, causing severe respiratory disease and taking the name SARS-CoV [10]. It is understood that a broad host range [13], frequent cross-species transmission, stability of the virus in the environment, and changes in the tissue tropism [14], support the emergence of new highly infectious human coronaviruses
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