SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance from Community-Distributed Rapid Antigen Tests, Wisconsin, USA

In the United States, SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance initially relied almost entirely on residual diagnostic specimens from nucleic acid amplification–based tests. However, use of those tests waned after the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. In Dane County, Wisconsin, we...

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Main Authors: Isla E. Emmen, William C. Vuyk, Andrew J. Lail, Sydney Wolf, Eli J. O’Connor, Rhea Dalvie, Maansi Bhasin, Aanya Virdi, Caroline White, Nura R. Hassan, Alex Richardson, Grace VanSleet, Andrea Weiler, Savannah Rounds-Dunn, Kenneth Van Horn, Marc Gartler, Jane Jorgenson, Michael Spelman, Sean Ottosen, Nicholas R. Minor, Nancy Wilson, Thomas C. Friedrich, David H. O’Connor
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2025-05-01
Series:Emerging Infectious Diseases
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Online Access:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/13/24-1192_article
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Summary:In the United States, SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance initially relied almost entirely on residual diagnostic specimens from nucleic acid amplification–based tests. However, use of those tests waned after the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. In Dane County, Wisconsin, we partnered with local- and state-level public health agencies and the South Central Library System to continue genomic surveillance by obtaining SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from freely available community rapid antigen tests (RATs). During August 15, 2023–February 29, 2024, we received 227 RAT samples, from which we generated 127 sequences with >10× depth of coverage for >90% of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. In a subset of tests, lower cycle threshold values correlated with sequence success. Our results demonstrated that collecting and sequencing results from RATs in partnership with community sites is a practical approach for sustaining SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance.
ISSN:1080-6040
1080-6059