Researchers develop test to detect virtually any virus

[IDemo]

Source: Vaccine News Daily

A new test that can detect virtually any virus that could infect any human or animal has been developed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Diagnosing an illness can be expensive and time-consuming, as many tests are often required.

"With this test, you don't have to know what you're looking for," said the study's senior author, Gregory Storch, M.D., the Ruth L. Siteman Professor of Pediatrics. "It casts a broad net and can efficiently detect viruses that are present at very low levels. We think the test will be especially useful in situations where a diagnosis remains elusive after standard testing or in situations in which the cause of a disease outbreak is unknown."

The new test, called ViroCap, can detect viruses not caught through standard testing based on genome sequencing. The new test could be used to detect such viruses as ebola, marburg and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as well as more common viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus.

Read more: http://vaccinenewsdaily.com/stories/510640659-researchers-develop-test-to-detect-virtually-any-virus

[rocktivity]

1. But how SOON can it detect -- will it work on the asymptomatic?

The earlier, the better, obviously, especially in case of ebola:

YourHHRSnews.com:

The Q16 can diagnose the virus within five days of infection, weeks before patients start showing symptoms…

At Boston University...(an) invention…draws blood “straight from the vein,” dabs it on a silicon chip and shines a single-colored LED through it. The Ebola-specific particles appear as bright dots on the chip, if present...it will be able to detect Ebola in asymptomatic patients…

rocktivity

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. May be able to detect other pathogens too

"It also may be possible to modify the test so that it could be used to detect pathogens other than viruses, including bacteria, fungi and other microbes, as well as genes that would indicate the pathogen is resistant to treatment with antibiotics or other drugs," said co-author Kristine Wylie, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics. "

[kristopher]

3. K&R

[valerief]

4. Way cool. Hope this become available and affordable. nt

[Dont call me Shirley]

5. That's good news! Especially for the chronically ill!