Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a significant impact on the global economy and human safety. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but because the virus’s genome is prone to mutations, the effectiveness of vaccines and the sensitivity of detection methods are declining. Variants of concern (VOCs) include Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, which are able to evade recognition by host immune mechanisms leading to increased transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. A range of research has been reported on detection techniques for VOCs, which is beneficial to prevent the rapid spread of the epidemic, improve the effectiveness of public health and social measures, and reduce the harm to human health and safety. However, a meaningful translation of this that reduces the burden of disease, and delivers a clear and cohesive message to guide daily clinical practice, remains preliminary. Herein, we summarize the capabilities of various nucleic acid and protein-based detection methods developed for VOCs in identifying and differentiating current VOCs and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method, providing a basis for the rapid detection of VOCs strains and their future variants and the adoption of corresponding preventive and control measures.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to study laboratory indicators for the identification of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) severity. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science for literature that was published before May 2022. The main results are presented as forest plots. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were also performed. Results: Our study indicated that white blood cells (WBC) (95%CI: 0.205–0.778), blood glucose (95%CI: 0.505–0.778), lymphocytes (95%CI: 0.072–0.239), creatinine (95%CI: 0.024–0.228), interleukin (IL)-2 (95%CI: 0.192–1.642), IL-6 (95%CI: 0.289–0.776), IL-8 (95%CI: 0.499–0.867), IL-10 (95%CI: 0.226–0.930), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (95%CI: 0.193–2.584), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (95%CI: 1.078–2.715), and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) (95%CI: 0.571–1.459) were associated with an increased risk of HFMD severity, and the results of the sensitivity analysis of these indicators were stable and free of publication bias. Conclusions: Our results suggest that various deleterious immune and metabolic changes can increase the risk of HFMD severity, which can provide a basis for predicting the prognosis and useful evidence for clinicians to manage patients efficiently.