Russian COVID-19 test system can detect UK and other coronavirus strains

MOSCOW, February 1. /TASS/. Russia’s Sistema-BioTech, a subsidiary of the Sistema Joint Stock Financial Corporation, confirmed the possibility of detection of mutated SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, including the British one, using previously developed test systems, the company announced Monday. "A research we’ve conducted has confirmed the possibility of detection of the mutated coronavirus strains, including the British one, as well as others, using the test systems, developed by Sistema-BioTech," the company said. The first test system is a set of chemical substances for detection of the causative agent’s RNA via the PCR method in real time. Besides, the company has two express tests that can reduce the reaction time to less than half an hour. One such test is designed for use in a standard diagnostics lab, while another one is colorimetric, making it possible to detect the presence of the virus by change of color of a liquid in a test tube - for example, directly at a patient’s bed. The company explained that the tests seek for the 3CL proteinase gene, which is the least likely gene to mutate. For example, the British coronavirus strain has this gene unchanged despite the 23 accumulated mutations in other genes. Therefore, Sistema-Biotech’s PCR tests can efficiently detect the coronavirus infection despite the mutations. According to the company, its specialists analyzed a wide spectrum of related viruses, including the 2003 atypical pneumonia causative agent, and concluded that a mutation in the 3CL proteinase gene is usually lethal for the viruses. "Therefore, it remains unchanged, and a test system that aims at it, will be at advantage in case of a prolonged pandemic," Sistema-BioTech Director on Science Natalya Pozdnyakova said. The UK coronavirus strain, revealed on December 14, 2020, is believed to be 70% more virulent than the previous variant. Read more