Diagnóstico de sars-cov-2 mediante las pruebas de anticuerpos cuantitativos e hisopado antígenos.

Abstract

Introduction COVID-19 disease has caused significant health problems worldwide. In 2019, the first infection with the new coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, China, and the virus spread rapidly. WHO (World Health Organization) reported about 629 million cases and 6.5 million deaths by November 2022. One year after the first reported case in Ecuador, the Secretariat for Risk Management published that 327,325 positive cases and 16,780 deaths were recorded. Objective: To compile relevant information for SARS-CoV-2 detection through quantitative antibody and antigen tests. Methodology: A literature review was conducted. The search strategy included indexed databases, articles, reviews, and scientific journal reports from 2019-2022. Results: Serological tests alone should not be used as diagnostic tools to determine severe cases in healthcare, as the presence of antibodies cannot be detected at the early stage of the disease, whereas antigen testing has a higher specificity and sensitivity than serological testing, i.e., it can detect the viral genome at the onset of infection. Conclusions: The results suggest that the two tests mentioned in the review are a good option regarding simplicity, speed, and cost. However, there are different aspects that the health professional should consider.