- Possible role of Pakistani Universities
By: Sunil Shafqat
Maximum testing and identification of coronavirus patients has proven as an important weapon to help stop the COVID-19 outbreak. Across the globe universities are playing a pivotal role in testing and identification of coronavirus patients. Since the realization of the pandemic, efforts have been made to flatten the curve of the infection trajectory. This has been achieved by a combination of various policies that includes social distancing, quarantining possible carriers and self-isolation but this all requires effective testing.
Testing is central to any effort of containing, treating and stopping the spread of the virus. These are but a few examples that show why testing is central to any real solution to the pandemic we are dealing with.
As some symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to some other microbial infections, it is absolutely essential that hospital staff knows for certain that the patient they are handling have COVID-19. Otherwise, essential time, resources and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) will be used needlessly, when these are already in short supply.
Quarantining can be more effective if person shedding the virus is identified and that is particularly important in case of asymptomatic carriers who have no symptoms.
Either it involves developing vaccines, providing the PPE or testing. Universities around the world are working on developing on sight rapid test kits and vaccines. Calls are being put out for developing low cost PPE that can be reused, while others are testing drugs for effective treatment.
If a person is tested positive for the virus, then the contact tracing can help better contain the spread of the infection. This is particularly important where patients have mild to no symptoms. This can keep from overwhelming the health system and stopping the infection before it potentially reaches a high risk person.
Herd immunity is a concept where almost 60% or more of the population has immunity to the disease. There is always a 60% or more chance that the person at risk will come across a person who is resistant to the disease and this helps break the chain of infection in populations. To establish the Herd immunity, it is of paramount importance to conduct testing for antibodies, which brings us to the methods of testing for COVID-19.
Testing for COVID-19 is done either by testing for the virus itself or by testing for antibodies (like IgG and IgM). A Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique is used with gene specific detection qualitatively. In short, a small amount of virus RNA is converted to DNA which then is multiplied to get enough DNA material for testing. This then is sequenced to find the specific gene of interest.
On the other hand, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) assay technique can be used to detect IgM antibodies, which are produced during the onset of an infection. IgG is more abundant later on in infections and remains in the body for a long-term response.
There are other methods where specific monoclonal antibodies (made by clone cells from a single parent cell) are used that are specific in binding to nucleocapsid proteins (proteins that make shell of virus). This can give rapid testing with fluorescent markers or otherwise but it takes time to develop and right now RT-PCR and ELISA assay techniques are our best bets. To conduct RT-PCR we usually require a laboratory implementing Biosafety Level 3 while for ELISA assay Biosafety Level 2 lab will be suffice as no virus materials are being dealt with.
Possible role of universities in Pakistan: As it is established that testing is essential for any solution in fighting against COVID-19, every country is struggling with a backlog of test samples for COVID-19. Every player in the field is needed to fight the infection. Either it involves developing vaccines, providing the PPE or testing. Universities around the world are working on developing on sight rapid test kits and vaccines. Calls are being put out for developing low cost PPE that can be reused, while others are testing drugs for effective treatment. Universities around the world have opened doors to their facilities to test for COVID-19 helping with the backlog of test sample.
This begs the question how Pakistani universities are helping in response to the crisis. Several departments are closed amidst a crisis with PCR facilities and equipment that can be used to conduct ELISA assay. Also, what role the government is playing to effectively employ assets and resources present in the country? More people are need to be tested and screened to fight the spread of virus that threatens to overwhelm the health system and take lives. All it takes is a little bit effort on the part of universities to come forward and help with the crisis. Most of them can do ELISA essay if not the PCR. This can add substantially to testing capacities of our country. It’s about time when anyone who can do something should do something. It’s about time our academics join our medical staff in the fight against COVID-19.
Sunil Shafqat is a research chemist at the University of Eastern Finland. He is currently working on coherent exciton scattering in condensed phased graphene quantum dots.
