Optimization and standardisation of RT-qPCR methodology to detect B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

Identifier:  TFG:6114

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG6114

Authors:  Masip Sanchis, Maria

Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus responsible for a huge number of deaths worldwide, which emerged in December 2019. Since then, the scientific community have united efforts to end the pandemic. However, the new SARS-CoV-2 variants outbreak threatens to shatter all the progress made, due to its increased transmissibility and vaccine resistance properties. This highlights the need for variants monitoring. RT-qPCR wastewater analysis is an early warning system that allows close tracking of the virus spreading. In this project, methodologies for SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants detection in wastewater are presented, which allowed us to track these variants in the region of Valencia.