High-Throughput Diagnostic Assay For the Human Virus Causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high-throughput diagnostic assay for the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). In particular, the invention relates to a high-throughput reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic test for SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The present assay is a rapid, reliable assay which can be used for diagnosis and monitoring the spread of SARS and is based on the nucleotide sequences of the N (nucleocapsid)-gene of the hSARS virus. The present method eliminates false negative results and provides increased sensitivity for the assay. The invention also discloses the S (spike)-gene of the hSARS virus. The invention further relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the N-gene and S-gene products of the hSARS virus and to the use of the N-gene and S-gene products in diagnostic methods. The invention further encompasses diagnostic assays and kits comprising antibodies generated against the N-gene or S-gene product.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method for detecting the presence of a spike gene S-gene) of the human severe respiratory syndrome (hSARS) virus in a biological sample, said method comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2473; and (b) detecting whether the nucleic acid molecule binds to said S-gene in the sample. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the compound that binds to said S-gene is a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1,000, 1,050, 1,100, 1,150, 1,200, 2,000, or 3,000 contiguous nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2473. 
     
     
         10 - 16 . (canceled)