A new chip capable of rapidly testing for 11 different strains of influenza viruses, including avian influenza, has been announced in the United States this past Monday. This innovative technology can perform tests in just 1/4 of the time typically required.
Currently, this invention from the University of Colorado is still undergoing validation, but researchers are hopeful that it can soon be developed into a rapid testing tool for regions facing outbreaks.
Kathy Rowlen, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry who is directly overseeing the research, stated: “The current ‘gold standard’ for influenza virus analysis takes 3 to 4 days. However, for viruses with high transmission and destructive rates like avian influenza, that time frame is too long and too dangerous, especially if they can mutate into strains that spread from person to person.”
 |
Nurse Belinda Lee is holding a collection bag for testing samples at Honolulu Airport in the United States. |
Currently, there are some rapid influenza testing technologies available on the market, but they can only determine whether a patient has the flu and cannot differentiate between various strains or types of influenza viruses. It is important to note that influenza viruses continuously mutate and can exist in several strains at the same time.
In contrast, the new chip can be programmed to react to any strain of influenza virus. It is currently being tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and has shown over 90% accuracy for samples infected with H5N1.
Each year, influenza kills approximately 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide. However, according to health experts’ warnings, a pandemic of avian influenza turning into human influenza could potentially claim the lives of tens of millions of people.
The greatest current threat is the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which is rampant in many parts of Asia and Europe. As of now, this deadly virus has infected a total of 123 people, half of whom have died. Most dangerously, H5N1 could mutate into a form of influenza that spreads from person to person at any time.
Rapid Diagnosis
Initially, Professor Rowlen’s research focused on tracking the life cycle and development processes of various strains of influenza viruses. However, with concerns about a global avian influenza pandemic, they determined that rapid diagnosis and detection are now urgent and critical needs.
Currently, samples from suspected H5N1 cases are sent to central laboratories for confirmation, but this process takes at least a few days. Meanwhile, doctors need to know the results sooner to administer strong antibiotics within 48 hours to mitigate the virus’s impact.
Similarly, health officials also need quick results to isolate and quarantine individuals who have had contact with infected patients.
“The new technology will help monitor and track influenza outbreaks more effectively, as laboratories can identify influenza viruses more quickly.”
Nonetheless, the chip is not yet easy to use. Professor Rowlen’s research team is working hard to make it simpler and more portable. “We want to adjust it to be compact and straightforward enough to take to remote rural areas in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cambodia, or Indonesia, where modern laboratories are certainly lacking,” Rowlen said.
Cam Thi (According to Reuters)
