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This meeting focused on two groups of topics: first, the latest quantitative assessment of the development of the pandemic was discussed, and here it is stated that, of course, the situation is still difficult, the prevalence of the virus is high, there are still more people hospitalized. However, there is some cautious optimism and a certain peak of the pandemic is approaching.
And of course, like at the top of the hill, the weather is scarce and the road is very narrow, which is really important for both the authorities and the public to stay focused, ”said Simonas Krėpšta, Senior Advisor to the President and director of the Economic and Social Policy Group.
He found that the quarantine restrictions work, but there is a long way to go before the situation is normal, according to the adviser.
“The quarantine restrictions are working, we are seeing a slowdown in the pandemic and that is of course a good sign. But to get closer to the normal situation, we have a lot to do. We are at a really high point in terms of the spread of the virus and there is a long way to a normal situation, ”said S. Krėpšta.
According to S.Krėpšta, the second part of the meeting talked about the tests, how it could be improved: “Currently, in Lithuania we widely use one of the three main types of tests. There are a number of recommendations to improve the system in the future. “
S. Krėpšta explained that molecular PCR tests predominate in Lithuania, other types of tests are widely used in other countries, such as rapid antigen tests and serological tests, which show antibodies, all have advantages and disadvantages.
A different type of test can be changed
Representative of the City Council of the VU Vice-rector of Sciences prof. Edita Sužiedėlienė explained that it is possible to switch to a different type of test; Instead of molecular PCR tests, it is intended to use other rapid tests.
“A lot of molecular PCR tests are done in Lithuania, which we consider the gold standard. These tests are widely carried out in Lithuania, more than 400 thousand per million inhabitants have been carried out. tests. But as the pandemic unfolds and the number of infections increases, these molecular tests, which are the gold standard, still require qualified personnel with special sophisticated equipment to perform them. The reagents are also relatively expensive and, on average, these tests take several hours, ”explained E. Sužiedėlienė.
He regretted that diagnostic labs were overwhelmed and unable to perform those tests within the recommended 24 hours.
“There are other variants of molecular tests on the market that can also detect infections with relatively high specificity and sensitivity, that is, sick people. People who are not sick can also be identified very precisely. Rapid antigen tests are a growing focus. And many countries, including the EC, plan strategies for the acquisition of such rapid antigen tests, “said E. Sužiedėlienė.
The procedure itself is the same for the patient.
According to her, the rapid tests last about 15 minutes and do not require special equipment or qualified personnel, explained the expert.
“Perhaps its downside is that its sensitivity has not yet reached the gold standard in molecular testing. They are the most suitable for detecting cases of active infection when the amount of virus in the sample is high:
then he tells the case of the disease with very high efficacy, “explained E. Sužiedėlienė.
Rapid antigen tests can be used to evaluate people with symptoms for approximately 5-7 days after the onset of infection.
“Rapid tests can be used at critical points of infection, as well as in risk institutions, nursing homes according to separate testing schemes. For example, if a rapid test detects a positive case, the test response is accepted as a response to the disease. But, if, for example, we have a negative response during the test, then due to insufficient sensitivity, the test can be repeated using the PCR method, ”explained E. Sužiedėlienė.
The researcher also explained the difference between those tests.
“When it comes to rapid antigen testing, the testing procedure itself is simple: a nasopharyngeal sample is taken, just like the current PCR test, and a sample is used on a test plate. Performing the test is based on the concept of viral protein, antigen and antibody, and a color reaction occurs. After a few minutes, the result – yes or no, a viral infection is detected or not, visible to the naked eye “, – E. Sužiedėlienė explained the operating principles of the new tests.
Offers to monitor the dynamics of viral mutations
It is also planned to study the genetic mutations and the evolution of the virus in Lithuania, evaluating whether the mutations can affect the accuracy of the diagnosis, explained the expert.
“Rapid tests detect a virus molecule, an antigen against which antibodies are produced. Of course, not all variants of mutations are really recognized by those antibodies. The virus mutates fairly quickly. Today’s recommendations from the The Board of Experts suggested monitoring the dynamics of mutations and their profile through genome sequencing to assess to what extent they may affect diagnostic accuracy.
If a diagnostic kit, such as a rapid test, has been developed based on a protein from a particular virus variant, and if mutations in that protein significantly alter the site of interaction with the antibody, there is reason to expect that such mutations will affect that interaction. “- explained E. Sužiedelienė.
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