Discriminatory Weight of SNPs in Spike SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Technically Rapid, Unambiguous, and Bioinformatically Validated Laboratory Approach

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

A high mutation rate, especially in Spike gene,  causes the selection of new variants that spread rapidly throughout the world. Many laboratories use sequencing method to identify new virus variants. The Authors described the combination two conventional PCRs and two Sanger sequencing reactions (SNPs). The Author suggest that this method is rapid, easy and adaptable  to detection all mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 variants described by the WHO without the need of whole genome sequencing. Moreover, this procedure is greater reliability than commercial kits.  This method may be helpful in epidemiological and clinical study.

Author Response

We would like to thank to the revisor, all the suggested revisions are done. 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript of Musso et al. describe a new, rapid, easy, adaptable and affordable workflow aiming to detect mutations related to the SARS-CoV-2 based on conventional PCRs and Sanger sequencing reactions.

The manuscript is well written and the methods very well described. The workflow was well designed and will serve as a rapid diagnostic and molecular surveillance service of extreme importance for monitoring and controlling the transmission of new variants

The authors state in the introduction (line 36) “…as they have to change their genome to respond to the host’s immune system…” It is not correct. The mutation does not occur in order to “respond” to the immune system. Mutation are random events that occur during the virus replication which can be selected or not, by the action drugs or the immune system. Please rephase the sentence.

In line 117 change “80 viral samples” for “Eighty”

Author Response

We would like to thank to the revisor, all the suggested revisions are done.