A simple method for detection of mutations in amino acid 452 of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using restriction enzyme analysis

Variants of Concern or Interest SARS-CoV-2 (VOC VOI), the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, have emerged in several countries. Mutations amino acid 452 Spike protein are particularly important and associated with some these variants: L452R, present Delta VOC, L452Q, Lambda VOI. These mutations been both increased infectivity evasion protective immune response. A search on GISAID to detect number sequences harboring L452R mutation frequency VOC among them, showed that since August 2021, most belong VOC. Restriction enzyme analysis is proposed as a rapid method L452R. small amplicon from gene was digested MspI. 100% concordance observed between digestion sequencing results. The L452Q can also be detected by restriction analysis, allowing identification putative VOIs. methodology, which allows screening great samples, could provide faster information prevalence cases.