Covid-19diagnostictesting,antibodytesting,andtracing,areregardedas
key to reopening countries currently dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Your assignment is to research current scientific literature and write a paper (about 10 pages, references included, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 point font) dealing with why and how ELISA testing can be/is being used for COVID-19 serological antibody testing.
Considerations for your paper:
Style of assay- ELISA vs.lateral flow immunoassay
ELISA antibody testing vs. diagnostic antigen testing.
Significance of isotype detection: IgM vs. IgG, and timing
Antigen choice for the assay
Distinction between presence of antigen-specific antibodies and immunity
Specificity-The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19, as well as SARS,
MERS, and the common cold, are all coronaviruses – how would an ELISA test
distinguish among exposure to them
Test accuracy-sensitivity vs. specificity
-Bayes Theorem as applies to test sensitivity and specificity -How might one arrive at a prior hypothesis?
-Random vs. non-random sample testing in evaluating the assay -Effect of the frequency of a disease in the population
You must properly reference your work:
-References should primarily be from the scientific literature. -Given how recent this disease is you may use article preprints or
postings on medRxiv and bioRxiv.
-Any other non-journal references should be from reputable sources,
e.g., Stat.
-Reputable mainstream news sources, e.g., New York Times articles, may
be helpful as a secondary source to lead you to a primary scientific source.
Notewell:
This is a scientific paper – do not include political or fringe points of view.
