Indicators in a test capable of detecting low levels of the Zika virus turn blue (inset) when the virus is present in a saliva sample.
Credit: American Chemical Society
Anxiety over the Zika virus is growing as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro approach. To better diagnose and track the disease, scientists are now reporting in ACS’ journal Analytical Chemistry a new $2 test that in the lab can accurately detect low levels of the virus in saliva.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that there was no need to postpone or move the Olympics due to Zika’s presence, but concern over the virus’ spread and its link to serious birth defects is far from allayed. Public health experts debate whether WHO made the right call. But while the discussion continues, scientists are working on new tools to help manage the outbreak. Current gold-standard tests to detect the virus require expensive lab equipment and trained personnel. Low-cost diagnostic methods have been reported but can’t detect low levels of the disease or don’t distinguish between Zika and similar viruses such as dengue. Changchun Liu and colleagues wanted to design a rapid, low-cost, and more reliable point-of-care detection test.
To ensure their system would be highly selective for Zika without confusing it with similar viruses, the researchers looked for and found a stretch of genetic code that is nearly identical for 19 different strains of the Zika virus infecting people in the Americas but not in other pathogens. Then, with materials costing $2 per test, they developed a diagnostic system, which only requires the addition of water to operate. If the Zika-specific genetic sequence is in a saliva sample, a dye within the system will turn blue within 40 minutes. The test even works if low levels of the sequence are present.
The Latest on: Zika test
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January 29, 2019 - Developing an Easier Way to Test for the Zika Virus ECNmag.comResearchers are working on a new way to detect the Zika virus, in order to help doctors earlier diagnose and treat patients. The test uses optofluidic chips to ...Experimental Zika test under development - Medical Xpress
January 28, 2019 - Experimental Zika test under development Medical XpressA collaboration of scientists including Professor Jean Patterson, Ph.D., of Texas Biomedical Research Institute, is working on a new way to detect Zika virus that ...
Capitol roundup: Housing votes an early test for Helt, Zika - Bend Bulletin
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Prior dengue infection protects against Zika - Science Daily
February 7, 2019 - Prior dengue infection protects against Zika Science DailyThe higher a person's immunity to dengue virus, the lower their risk of Zika infection, an international team of scientists report today. The study -- which followed ...
Collaboration of US university researchers developing new Zika test - Homeland Preparedness News
January 30, 2019 - Collaboration of US university researchers developing new Zika test Homeland Preparedness NewsScientists may have a new means of detecting and helping tailor therapies to meet the Zika virus's onslaught. The technology in question utilizes optofluidic ...February 17, 2019 - Zika Virus Testing Market 2018 Outlook Includes Top Companies, Types and Applications, Forecast to 2023 DD News HeraldZika Virus Testing market report (Request Sample Copy) delivers data about the landscapes which drive the development of Zika Virus Testing industry.
12 - Researchers develop rapid, inexpensive test for Zika - University of Florida
December 21, 2018 - 12 - Researchers develop rapid, inexpensive test for Zika University of FloridaFrom PHHP site. University of Florida researchers, with funding from the state of Florida, have developed a rapid, cost-effective point-of-care test for the Zika ...Police chief admits there isn't Zika in meth after Facebook post goes viral - USA TODAY
December 31, 2018 - Police chief admits there isn't Zika in meth after Facebook post goes viral USA TODAYAfter some confusion, a police chief in Louisiana said a viral Facebook post about meth being contaminated with the Zika virus was a stunt meant to draw ...
New mosquito repellent comes from bacteria | Outdoors - Leader-Telegram
February 18, 2019 - New mosquito repellent comes from bacteria | Outdoors Leader-TelegramPeople may soon have a new weapon in the battle against mosquitoes, and it comes from an unusual source: bacteria.
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The Latest on: Zika test
- Zika Virus Testing Market Set for Rapid Growth During by 2024 on February 18, 2019 at 9:51 am
The Zika Virus Testing Market is segmented on the lines of By Test Type, By End-User and By Regional Analysis. By Test Type this market is segmented on the basis of Molecular Test, Serologic Test and ... […]
- When Will We Have a Zika Vaccine? on February 14, 2019 at 10:17 am
Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis with a blood or urine test (researchers are also working on a faster, easier Zika test too). pregnant have potentially been exposed to Zika but do not have regular, ... […]
- Zika Virus Testing Market to Reach at a CAGR of 2.5% by 2020 on February 12, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2913 Carribean Region to Dominate the Zika Virus POC Testing Marke t with a High Growth Rate Poin... […]
- According to new research: Zika Virus Testing market set to register a 3.2% CAGR revenue and US$ 120 million by 2024 on February 12, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Zika Virus Testing is a test tools for Zika virus, including the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test/ Molecular Tests; Zika Virus Antibody Test/ Serological Test. Zika virus (Zika) is a disease caused by ... […]
- Capitol roundup: Housing votes an early test for Helt, Zika on February 10, 2019 at 3:01 pm
It may feel like the 2019 legislative session just started, but big pieces of Democrats’ affordable housing agenda will see major action next week. The bills will also be an early test for the Bend ar... […]
- Horses can be affected by Zika virus, study shows on February 9, 2019 at 11:48 am
Zika virus and several others. The researchers used three methods to test the sera. Samples were screened for flaviviruses using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The positive ... […]
- Prior dengue infection may protect against Zika on February 8, 2019 at 2:28 am
Before the Zika outbreak, a subset of 642 participants also had been tested for previous dengue infection, and 86 per cent were positive. Specifically, the test assessed the level of antibodies the pa... […]
- At epicenter of Zika outbreak, dengue immunity provided protection on February 7, 2019 at 1:53 pm
The researchers followed 1,453 residents from a densely populated slum community in the city of Salvador, Brazil, during the 2015 Zika outbreak. They used a novel test for identifying Zika infections ... […]
- Prior dengue infection may protect against Zika: study on February 7, 2019 at 11:29 am
Marques developed a test that allowed researchers to distinguish between dengue and Zika infections. He said more study is needed to understand whether new dengue vaccines could also protect against Z... […]
- Prior dengue infection protects against Zika on February 7, 2019 at 11:12 am
Before the Zika outbreak, a subset of 642 participants also had been tested for previous dengue infection, and 86 percent were positive. Specifically, the test assessed the level of antibodies the ... […]
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