| Viruses are responsible for multiple infections in humans that impose huge health burdens on individuals
and populations worldwide. Therefore, numerous diagnostic methods and strategies have been developed
for prevention, management, and decreasing the burden of viral diseases, each having its advantages and
limitations. Viral infections are commonly detected using serological and nucleic acid-based methods.
However, these conventional and clinical approaches have some limitations that can be resolved by
implementing other detector devices. Therefore, the search for sensitive, selective, portable, and costless
approaches as efficient alternative clinical methods for point of care testing (POCT) analysis has gained
much attention in recent years. POCT is one of the ultimate goals in virus detection, and thus, the tests need
to be rapid, specific, sensitive, accessible, and user-friendly. In this review, after a brief overview of viruses
and their characteristics, the conventional viral detection methods, the clinical approaches, and their advantages and shortcomings are firstly explained. Then, LFA systems working principles, benefits, classification are discussed. Furthermore, the studies regarding designing and employing LFAs in diagnosing
different types of viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2 as a main concern worldwide and innovations in the LFAs’
approaches and designs, are comprehensively discussed here. Furthermore, several strategies addressed in
some studies for overcoming LFA limitations like low sensitivity are reviewed. Numerous techniques are
adopted to increase sensitivity and perform quantitative detection. Employing several visualization
methods, using different labeling reporters, integrating LFAs with other detection methods to benefit from
both LFA and the integrated detection device advantages, and designing unique membranes to increase
reagent reactivity, are some of the approaches that are highlighted. |