Implementation of Antibody Rapid Diagnostic Testing versus Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Sample Pooling in the Screening of COVID-19: a Case of Different Testing Strategies in Africa

• DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00524-20
• Publication Date: 2020-07-28T12:39:27Z
• Authors: Tinashe K. Nyazika; Rabelani Kaela; Mathias Mugoni; Kudakwashe Musomekwa; Eric Kyei-Baafour; Simbarashe Chiwanda; Prichard T. Mapon...; Tatenda S. Makawa; Elliot M. Sithole; George Mavunganidze; Justen Manasa; Kondwani C. Jambo; Cuthbert Musarurwa
• Keywords: Pooling; Pandemic; Sample (material)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc across the globe; although number of cases in Africa remains lower than other regions, it is on a gradual upward trajectory. To date, COVID-19 have been reported 54 out 55 African countries. However, due to limited severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) testing capacity and scarcity reagents, probable that total could far exceed published statistics. In this viewpoint, using Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe as examples countries implemented different strategies, we argue implementation sample pooling for rRT-PCR over antibody rapid diagnostic greater impact assessing burden. Sample offers huge advantages compared single test rRT-PCR, reduces costs, personnel time, burnout, analytical run times. already strained terms resources COVID-19; hence, cheaper alternative ways need be conserve resources, maximize mass testing, reduce transmission wider population.