Performance of novel digital real-time PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial viruses, and influenza viruses in Ghana
This study presents the potential of a digital PCR as a highly sensitive and reproducible tool for detecting respiratory viruses in Ghana, where robust diagnostic methods are essential for managing public health challenges. By evaluating the novel Lab-On-An-Array (LOAA) system, we provide its critical operational performance against the gold-standard rRT-PCR for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza viruses. Our findings show that LOAA demonstrates excellent agreement with rRT-PCR for most viruses, offering a promising alternative for respiratory virus surveillance and diagnosis. This research is particularly significant for resource-limited settings, as it supports the adoption of advanced molecular diagnostics to improve early detection and response to respiratory infections. Minor refinements for specific viruses, such as influenza A, could further enhance its utility in clinical and epidemiological applications.
Authors
- Stephen Opoku Afriyie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8334-5332)
- Michael Owusu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5066-150X)
- Fahad Saeed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5987-2255)
- Ebenezer Kojo Addae (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3999-170X)
- Bernard Nkrumah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7613-5353)
- Peter Kojo Brenya
- Godfred Acheampong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2495-9235)
- Richard Owusu Ansah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3219-9320)
- Abena Gyawu Owusu-Ansah (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9914-0024)
- Eric Darko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7074-115X)
- Danielle T. Barradas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6544-943X)
- Frederick Ayensu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8004-8976)
- Nana Kwame Ayisi‐Boateng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0961-4434)
- Richard Larbi
- Pawan Angra (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5167-6367)
- Chrysantus Kubio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2658-6786)
- Jacob Amonoo-Neizer
- Veronica Bannor
Institutions
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
- West End Hospital (GH)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GH)
- Cook Children's Medical Center (US)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (UG)
- HOPE Clinic (US)
- Africa Innovations Institute (UG)
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (GH)
- Center for Global Health (US)
- Kwame Nkrumah University (ZM)
- Ghana Health Service (GH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microbiology Spectrum
- Published
- 2025-08-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03219-24
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Respiratory viral infections research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35