Aim: to develop simple serological tools that can be used to establish three tests: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and multiplex microsphere-based immunoassays (MIAs – capable of detecting several targets). This research will pave the way for the serological investigation of at-risk individuals such as those working at animal markets, farmers exposed to bat guano (used as a natural fertilizer) and those living in rural villages in Cambodia. Biological samples are available at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge because of previous and current research conducted by the Virology Unit.
SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis has hitherto been based on molecular biology methods (RT-PCR). Serological surveys, especially in at-risk individuals, will be a vital tool in improving our understanding of the epidemiology of the novel virus.