小柯机器人

卢旺达非洲数学研究所Wilfred Ndifon、Neil Turok等研究人员合作开发出集合检测方案用于识别低流行下的SARS-CoV-2感染。相关论文于2020年10月21日在线发表于国际学术期刊《自然》。

Title: A pooled testing strategy for identifying SARS-CoV-2 at low prevalence

Author: Leon Mutesa, Pacifique Ndishimye, Yvan Butera, Jacob Souopgui, Annette Uwineza, Robert Rutayisire, Ella Larissa Ndoricimpaye, Emile Musoni, Nadine Rujeni, Thierry Nyatanyi, Edouard Ntagwabira, Muhammed Semakula, Clarisse Musanabaganwa, Daniel Nyamwasa, Maurice Ndashimye, Eva Ujeneza, Ivan Emile Mwikarago, Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Jean Baptiste Mazarati, Sabin Nsanzimana, Neil Turok, Wilfred Ndifon

Issue&Volume: 2020-10-21

Abstract: Suppressing SARS-CoV-2 will likely require the rapid identification and isolation of infected individuals on an ongoing basis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are accurate but costly, making regular testing of every individual expensive. The costs are a challenge for all countries and particularly for developing countries. Cost reductions can be achieved by pooling (or combining) subsamples and testing them in groups1–7. A balance must be struck between increasing the group size and retaining test sensitivity, since sample dilution increases the likelihood of false negatives for individuals with low viral load in the sampled region at the time of the test8. Likewise, minimising the number of tests to reduce costs must be balanced against minimising the time testing takes to reduce the spread of infection. Here we propose an algorithm for pooling subsamples based on the geometry of a hypercube that, at low prevalence, accurately identifies infected individuals in a small number of tests and rounds of testing. We discuss the optimal group size and explain why, given the highly infectious nature of the disease, largely parallel searches are preferred. We report proof of concept experiments in which a positive subsample was detected even when diluted 100-fold with negative subsamples (cf. 30-fold to 48-fold dilution in Refs. 9–11). We quantify the loss of sensitivity due to dilution and discuss how it may be mitigated by frequent re-testing of groups, for example. With the use of these methods, the cost of mass testing could be reduced by a large factor which, furthermore, increases as the prevalence falls. Field trials of our approach are under way in Rwanda and South Africa. The use of group testing on a massive scale to closely and continually monitor infection in a population, along with rapid and effective isolation of infected people, provides a promising pathway to the longterm control of COVID-19.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2885-5

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2885-5

Nature：《自然》，创刊于1869年。隶属于施普林格·自然出版集团，最新IF：69.504
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