Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from residual viral RNA present on positive rapid antigen test kits for genomic surveillance

Authors

  • Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Khayri Kamel Virology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Malaysia
  • Nor Malizza G Adypatti Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohammad Syafiq Jamaluddin Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Farah Amira Ahmad Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Siti Nurhidayah Norhisham Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Zulfazli Mohamad Sukri Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nur Rafiqah Rosli Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Siti Norazrina Saif Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nurul Izzati Basarudin Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohamad Azzam-Sayuti Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Akmal Hayat Abdul Karim Pathology Department, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mahirah Kamil Puat Pathology Department, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Ravindran Thayan Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Rozainanee Mohd Zain Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2025.16.1.1140

Keywords:

COVID-19, whole genome sequencing, public health surveillance, diagnostic tests

Abstract

This report describes an approach to recover SARS-CoV-2 RNA from rapid antigen test kit (RTK-antigen) cassettes for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). RNA samples were recovered from 33 RTK-antigen cassettes for WGS, with 18 samples achieving more than 80% genome coverage. This work provides a proof-of-concept that positive RTK-antigen cassettes can be safely transported, stored and subjected to WGS, enabling swift identification of circulating variants.

Downloads

Published

31-03-2025

How to Cite

1.
Anasir MI, Kamel K, Adypatti NMG, Jamaluddin MS, Ahmad FA, Norhisham SN, Sukri MZM, Rosli NR, Saif SN, Basarudin NI, Azzam-Sayuti M, Karim AHA, Puat MK, Thayan R, Mohd Zain R. Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from residual viral RNA present on positive rapid antigen test kits for genomic surveillance. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 31 [cited 2025 Apr. 3];16(1). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/1140

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): January – March

Section

Brief Report