Detection of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in five SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (RATs), Germany, March 2021

Euro Surveill. 2021 Apr;26(16):2100413. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.16.2100413.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) should not escape molecular surveillance. We investigated if SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) could detect B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 VOCs in certain laboratory conditions. Infectious cell culture supernatants containing B.1.1.7, B.1.351 or non-VOC SARS-CoV-2 were respectively diluted both in DMEM and saliva. Dilutions were analysed with Roche, Siemens, Abbott, nal von minden and RapiGEN RATs. While further studies with appropriate real-life clinical samples are warranted, all RATs detected B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, generally comparable to non-VOC strain.

Keywords: B.1.1.7; B.1.351; Rapid antigen test(s); SARS-CoV-2; Variant(s) of Concern; performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Serological Testing
  • COVID-19*
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2*