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Nanopore-sequencing-based method for rapid poliovirus detection during outbreaks

Detection of poliovirus by cell culture and subsequent serotype identification via Sanger sequencing can be slow, delaying responses to emerging outbreaks. Direct virus detection using nested reverse transcription PCR and nanopore sequencing was prospectively validated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and yielded accurate results in a fraction of the time.

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Fig. 1: DDNS and standard algorithm for poliovirus detection.

References

  1. UNICEF Data Warehouse (UNICEF, 23 January 2023); https://go.nature.com/44H5sw6. Public health statistics for children summarized by UNICEF.

  2. Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan 2022–2024 (World Health Organization, 2022); https://go.nature.com/3RcsOqh. A report illustrating the challenges faced by polio eradication and the proposed solutions.

  3. Shaw, A. G. et al. Time taken to detect and respond to polio outbreaks in Africa and the potential impact of direct molecular detection and nanopore sequencing. J. Infect. Dis. 226, 453–462 (2022). An article that presents the logistical challenges of testing stool samples for polio in the African region.

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  4. Shaw, A. G. et al. Rapid and sensitive direct detection and identification of poliovirus from stool and environmental surveillance samples by use of nanopore sequencing. J. Clin. Microbiol. 58, e00920-20 (2020). An article that presents the DDNS method.

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This is a summary of: Shaw, A. G. et al. Sensitive poliovirus detection using nested PCR and nanopore sequencing: a prospective validation study. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01453-4 (2023).

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Nanopore-sequencing-based method for rapid poliovirus detection during outbreaks. Nat Microbiol 8, 1764–1765 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01487-8

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