Viral RNA was extracted from tissue samples using QIAmp Viral extraction kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. RT-qPCR was performed according to an established protocol34 (link),37 (link). Primers and probe targeting SARS-CoV-2 E gene were used following the Super Script III Platinum One-Step RT-qPCR (Invitrogen) protocol. Amplification was performed as follows: reverse transcription 55 °C 20 min, denaturation 95 °C 3 min, followed by 50× cycles of amplification at 95 °C 15 s, 58 °C 30 s, where data was acquired. Further analysis and Cq values were determined using the BioRad CFX Maestro software (BioRad).
Free full text: Click here