EP4430393A1

EP4430393A1 - Method of diagnosis of sarscov2 virus human infecton through canine's olfaction capacities

Info

Publication number: EP4430393A1
Application number: EP22889561.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dominique Grandjean; Clothilde LECOQ-JULIEN; Riad Sarkis
Original assignee: Ministry Of Interior
Current assignee: Ministry Of Interior
Priority date: 2021-11-08
Filing date: 2022-11-08
Publication date: 2024-09-18
Also published as: EP4430393A4

Abstract

A method to detect covid 19 infection. The method comprise collecting underarms sweat samples from individuals. The samples are stored in a sterilized container, which are then subjected into an apparatus. The apparatus is configured to accommodate the samples to enable detection of covid 19 positive infection by canine. The apparatus comprises an olfaction component connected to a holder configured to accommodate a container comprising the collected samples. A proximal end of a handle is connected to a platform, while a distal end of the handle is detachably connected to the holder. The canines are trained to sniff the samples provided in the apparatus to detect covid 19 infection.

Description

METHOD OF DIAGNOSIS OF SARSCOV2 VIRUS HUMAN INFECTON THROUGH CANINE’S OLFACTION CAPACITIES BACKGROUND

[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.

Field:

[0002] The subject matter in general relates to SARS-CoV-2. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to detection of CO VID- 19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 by trained canines.

Discussion of the related art:

[0003] COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped single and positive stranded RNA virus. The RNA of the virus codes for non-structural replicase polyprotein and structural proteins which includes spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M) and nucleocapsid proteins among others. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and has a latent period of up to 24 days. Even in the latent phase, the virus is highly contagious and the virus carriers do not show any obvious symptoms.

[0004] Currently the standard diagnostic method to detect symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 is reverse transcription polymer chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, RT-PCR results are not immediate and may falsely be negative before an infected individual sheds viral particle in the upper airway where swabs are collected.

[0005] Moreover, an individual may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 but may not develop any symptoms as compared to symptomatic individual, in such scenario the individual may not be aware of being infected by the SARS-CoV-2. Hence, the individual may be in contact with others instead of isolating themselves increasing the chances to infect others. Even in public places, it is difficult to figure out individuals who are infected by SARS-CoV-2 increasing the risk of the spread of the infection. [0006] In view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for improved method for detection of Covid 19 infection to reduce the risk of infection.

SUMMARY

[0007] In an aspect, a method to detect covid 19 infection is disclosed. The method comprise collecting underarms sweat samples from various individuals. The samples are then stored at a cool temperature, which are then introduced into an apparatus configured to accommodate the samples to enable detection of covid 19 positive infection by a canine. The apparatus comprises an olfaction component detachably connected to a holder. The holder is configured to accommodate a container comprising the samples. The apparatus further comprises a handle, wherein a distal end of the handle is detachably connected to the holder and proximal end of the handle is connected to a platform. The canines are trained to sniff the samples provided in the apparatus to detect the specific odour of the samples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS

[0008] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures. Elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: [0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a method flow chart that enables detection of covid 19 infection, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG.2A illustrates a plurality of polymer tubes 202, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIG.2B illustrates a container 204 configured to accommodate the polymer tube 202, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIG.3 illustrates an apparatus 300 configured to accommodate the container 204, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0013] FIG.4 illustrates a plurality of apparatus 300 arranged in a room, in accordance with an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0015] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0016] Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a method flowchart 100 for detection of covid 19 infection is disclosed. The method disclosed may be employed to train canines or dogs to detect Covid 19 infection. At step 102, axillary sweat sample may be collected from different individuals. The sweat sample may be collected from a right and left armpit of the individuals.

[0017] In an embodiment, the samples may be collected from the individuals that are tested positive for Covid 19 infection and from the individuals that are tested negative for Covid 19 infection. Further, samples are not collected from covid 19 positive individuals who are receiving a medical treatment for more than 36 hours to avoid possible interferences with long-term medical treatments in the sweat volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0018] Referring to figure 2A, a polymer tube 202 may be used to collect the sweat samples from various individuals. The polymer tube 202 may be placed under the armpit of the individual for a specific time, for example but not limited, to sixty seconds. In an alternate embodiment, a sterile gauze swab or a sterile gauze filter may be placed under the armpit of the individual to collect the sweat sample from the individual. The polymer tube 202 adsorbs both polar and a polar molecule. The chemical analysis of the collected samples may also be carried out identify sweat biomarkers of Covid-19.

[0019] At step 104, the collected samples are stored in a cool place prior to using the samples to train canines for detection of Covid 19 positive infection.

[0020] In an embodiment, if the collected samples are covid 19 positive, such samples may be stored and used for almost six months. However, if the collected samples are covid 19 negative then such samples may be stored and used for no more than two weeks.

[0021] The samples collected at step 102 may be collected from various hospitals. The information of each of the collected samples may be recorded. The information may pertain to hospital name, reference number, date of sampling, type of material used for sampling, sweat collected from left or right armpit of the individual, and the details if the sample collected is from covid 19 positive or negative individual.

[0022] In an embodiment, a sampler collecting the samples that may be covid positive or covid negative needs to be cautious to avoid contamination of the collected samples. The collected samples may be kept in anti- sterile containers, coded the information as discussed in the previous paragraph and placed in a plastic envelope. Referring to FIG. 2B, the polymer tube 202 that comprises sweat samples collected from different individuals may be placed inside a container 204. The container 204 may be a glass container or any container that serves the purpose of the invention.

[0023] Referring to FIG.3, the container 204 comprising the polymer tube 202 may be introduced into an apparatus 300 at step 106. The apparatus 300 comprises an olfaction component 302, a holder 310, a platform 304 and a stand or handle 306. The olfaction component 302 of the apparatus 300 comprises a first portion and a second portion. The olfaction component 302 may be of a cone shaped configuration. The first portion of the olfaction component 302 may define an opening that tapers towards the second portion. Further, the second portion of the olfaction component 302 may be attached to the holder 310, while the first portion may be facing away from the holder 310.

[0024] In an embodiment, the holder 310 may comprise a base, a pair of supporting arms 308 and a cover portion or a cover element (not shown). Each of the supporting arms 308 may extend from the base and may be parallel to each other.

[0025] In an embodiment, the cover portion may be a plate configured to connect to the proximal ends of each of the supporting arms 308.

[0026] In an embodiment, the cover portion may comprise of a first side and a second side. The second portion of the olfaction component 302 may be attached to the first side of the cover portion of the holder 310.

[0027] In an embodiment, the holder 310 may be configured to accommodate the container 204 comprising the polymer tube 202. The polymer tube 202 comprises the sweat samples collected from various individuals. The container 204 may be positioned in such a way that a top surface of a lid of the container 204 may be attached to a second side of the cover portion of the holder 310.

[0028] In an embodiment, the handle 306 may be provided on the platform 304. A proximal end of the handle 306 may be connected to the platform 304, while a distal end of the handle 306 may be detachably connected to the holder 310.

[0029] In an embodiment, the distal end of the handle 306 may be detachably connected to the first side of the cover element.

[0030] At step 108, the canine or dog 402 may be trained to detect covid 19 infection. Referring to figure 4, a series of the apparatus 300 may be arranged in a room. Each of the apparatus 300 may be provided with a single sample that may be covid 19 positive or negative covid 19 sample.

[0031] In an embodiment, the canine 402 may be instructed to sniff each of the samples provided in each of the apparatus 300. The canine 402 may be instructed to place their nose closer to the olfaction component 302 to sniff the sample provided in the holder 310.

[0032] During the training, the canine 402 may be first trained to work on a series of apparatus 300 and further instructed to sit in front of the specific apparatus 300 comprising the covid 19 positive sample.

[0033] In an embodiment, for each canine involved in the training, the acquisition of the specific odour of CO VID-19 sweat samples required from one to four hours, with a number of positive samples sniffing ranging from four to ten.

[0034] It shall be noted that sweat odour of the individuals infected with covid 19 have a different odour compared to covid 19 negative individuals due to the virus signature. This difference in the odour of the sweat enables the canine to distinguish between the existence of the covid 19 virus signature in positive individuals compared to the covid negative individuals.

[0035] At step 110, the trained canine can discriminate easily between the covid positive and covid negative individual in relation to the excretion of specific catabolites induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus cellular actions or replications in the sweat.

[0036] Further, a cleaning protocol may be implemented to avoid any residual odors, as some canines tend to detect the odour of the sample on the apparatus even after the removal of the sample from the apparatus. The cleaning session may be carried out with steamed water after each session, and with a mixture of acetone and water after each training session.

[0037] In an embodiment, an online tool may be implemented to record each canine’s development. The data collected may be used to perform a real-time analysis of performance and accuracy for each canine.

[0038] In an embodiment, the trained canines may be used for detection of covid 19 infected individuals in public places.

[0039] The method of detection of Covid 19 infection by canine olfaction has detection sensitivities greater than real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further, employing the method of the present invention, the covid 19 infection may be detected instantly and in a non-invasive way in comparison with the well- known polymerase chain reaction techniques. Moreover, the spread of covid 19 infection can be detected quickly and easily by the method disclosed in the present invention without undergoing the RCT PCR testing. The method disclosed in the present invention allows easy detection of covid 19 positive individuals in public places in a quick manner.

[0040] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0041] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.

[0042] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0043] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A method to detect covid 19 infection, the method comprising: a) collecting underarms sweat samples from individuals; b) storing the samples in a sterile container at a cool temperature; c) subjecting the samples into an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a holder configured to accommodate a container comprising the collected samples; an olfaction component connected to the holder; and a handle comprising a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the handle is detachably connected to the holder and the proximal end of the handle is connected to a platform; and d) sniffing the samples provided in the apparatus by canines to detect covid 19 infection.