Association of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Mutations with Patient Demographic and Clinical Characteristics during the Delta and Omicron Waves.

SARS-CoV-2 genomic mutations outside the spike protein that may increase transmissibility and disease severity have not been well characterized. This study identified mutations in the nucleocapsid protein and their possible association with patient characteristics. We analyzed 695 samples from patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia between 1 April 2021, and 30 April 2022.

SARS-CoV-2 spike gene Sanger sequencing methodology to identify variants of concern.

The global demand for rapid identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern has led to a shortage of commercial kits. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a rapid, cost-efficient genome sequencing protocol to identify circulating SARS-CoV-2 (variants of concern). Sets of primers flanking the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene were designed, verified and then validated using 282 nasopharyngeal positive samples for SARS-CoV-2.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of People with Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

This study provides epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 492 consecutive patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia between March and September 2020. Data were collected from electronic case reports. The cohort was 54% male, with 20.

SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity and variants of concern in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: In December 2019, a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China, causing coronavirus disease 2019. The present study investigated genetic profiles and variations of SARS-CoV-2 distributed in different regions of Saudi Arabia to begin to understand the pathogenesis and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this country and analyzed associations of these variations with host factors.

Methodology: In total, 774 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences obtained and annotated by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) were captured and analyzed.

Development and validation of an in-house, low-cost SARS-CoV-2 detection assay.

Background: One major challenge for detecting the virus that causes COVID-19 is commercial SARS-CoV-2 testing kit or reagent availability. To allow every laboratory or hospital access to an in-house assay, we developed a low-cost SARS-CoV-2 detection assay protocol using in-house primers and reagents/equipment on hand in most biology or diagnostic laboratories: a SYBR Green-based RT-PCR. RNA extraction has also become a major bottleneck due to limited supplies and the required labor.