Articles tagged with Virus Testing
A new epigenetic-based cervical cancer test outperformed Pap smear and HPV tests, detecting 100% of invasive cancers in a large study. The test also predicted early cancer development up to five years in advance.
Researchers found that self-sampling kits can improve cervical cancer detection among women not participating in screening programs. Studies showed that HPV tests based on PCR technology were just as accurate on self-samples as those taken by clinicians, but signal amplification-based tests were less effective.
The PETA International Science Consortium and Epithelix award three researchers with 3D lung tissue models valued at up to $10,000 to study human respiratory health effects without harming animals. The tools will help accelerate the adoption of in vitro methods in inhalation testing.
A new smartphone and tablet application called HIVSmart! has been evaluated among an at-risk population in Montreal, showing that it is feasible and accepted by the community. The study found that 99.3% of participants who self-tested negative received counselling, while 98.8% found the app useful.
Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.
A pilot study from Ohio State University found that mailing at-home HPV tests to hard-to-reach women resulted in an 80% return rate, with about a quarter testing positive for cancer-causing HPV. The study aims to explore the potential of at-home testing as a tool to increase screening rates among underserved communities.
The ECDC Guidance promotes integrated testing strategies to reduce undiagnosed cases of hepatitis B, C, and HIV. The guidance outlines key principles, including accessibility, confidentiality, and linkage to care, to improve public health outcomes by 2030.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $54 million to fund 12 new studies comparing different treatments for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and age-related hearing loss. These studies aim to answer important questions that can inform patient care and outcomes.
Scientists have discovered evidence of infectious prions in the eyes of deceased Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of this fatal neurodegenerative disease. The finding raises concerns about the safety of routine eye exams and corneal transplants.
A new study found that routine Hepatitis C testing in correctional facilities identified nearly 35% more cases than targeted testing, which could lead to the cure of many cases and prevention of liver disease. Researchers recommend implementing routine testing for all incarcerated individuals upon arrival to address the national strate...
The FluChip-8G test promises to reduce influenza A and B characterization times from two weeks to eight hours. The study uses the test alongside standardized WHO/CDC rRT-PCR tests, employing specimens collected from various locations including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the US.
A portable and affordable mobile diagnostic tool utilizing nanotechnology can detect HIV viruses from a single drop of blood. The device offers high detection precision and is suitable for individuals with limited access to medical care.
Researchers found that mailing self-collection kits to test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection detected high-risk HPV in all cases of women with high-grade, abnormal cervical precancerous growths. This approach has the potential to boost cervical cancer screening, especially among low-income women who are overdue for testing.
A new modeling study suggests that older women who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a DNA test may be at low risk of cervical cancer and could safely stop screening. However, regular cytology screening up to age 75 can still prevent cancers and is recommended for countries using HPV testing.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test that rapidly parses out infections of the brain from other diseases by analyzing cytokine profiles in cerebral spinal fluid. The test shows promise for quickly identifying central nervous system disorders and guiding immediate intervention.
A new blood test developed by UNC Lineberger researchers demonstrates the ability to track HPV-linked head and neck cancer patients after treatment, reducing the need for costly imaging scans. Preliminary findings show that patients with positive blood tests had a higher risk of developing recurrence.
A highly sensitive liquid biopsy test detects minute traces of cancer-specific DNA, accurately determining whether HPV+ oral cancer patients are free from cancer following radiation therapy. The test reduces the need for costly radiological studies and provides a more precise count of tumor DNA in the blood.
Researchers aim to understand how malarial infections impact people exposed to Ebola virus, with a goal of developing tailored therapeutics for co-infection cases. The study will assess molecular impacts using an animal model and may involve testing in nonhuman primates.
A new Lassa fever and rabies vaccine has demonstrated effective protection in animal models of disease, suggesting a new way to test for protection against the virus. Researchers have also identified a new surrogate measure of protection that could aid in vaccine development.
Researchers have developed new techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, indicating active infection and enabling quicker treatment. The new direct tests detect DNA or protein from Borrelia burgdorferi, increasing the accuracy of an early diagnosis.
Researchers are developing mobile apps to share and interpret genomic and microbiome data, aiming to improve user understanding and interaction. The project also includes a longitudinal study to monitor the effects of dietary changes on household members' health.
Researchers developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip that can detect the presence of infectious diseases using antibodies in blood, offering a quick and affordable alternative to traditional lab tests. The test measures antibody concentration by analyzing blue-green light produced through bioluminescence.
The enVision platform detects diseases in 30 minutes to an hour, with costs under S$1 per test. The technology uses enzyme-assisted nanocomplexes to identify nucleic acids and has demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity compared to clinical gold standard.
Two variants of autoimmune disease SLE were identified in black Africans, including one previously unacknowledged. This breakthrough enables better management of the disease in southern Africa, where incidence and mortality rates are high.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool using cellphone cameras to test mosquitos for species type and Wolbachia. The assay demonstrated high accuracy, with 98% specificity and 97% sensitivity in identifying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and Wolbachia strain.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify the species of mosquitoes that carry diseases such as Zika virus and dengue. The tool uses a smartphone camera and detects the presence of biopesticide Wolbachia, which helps curb disease transmission. With high accuracy of over 97%, this innovative technology represents a significan...
Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...
A comprehensive analysis found high-risk HPV testing excellent for detecting pre-cancerous cells and cancer, with a higher detection rate compared to Pap smears. The research also showed that while high-risk HPV tests are effective, they can lead to more treatments with potential harms due to false positives.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer every three to five years with primary hrHPV test alone or co-testing. This new approach aims to reduce participant burden and increase efficiency in cervical cancer screening.
A new diagnostic test could help distinguish Kawasaki Disease from other conditions, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test targets a specific pattern of host gene expression in whole blood.
Primary HPV testing detects precancerous lesions earlier and more accurately than Pap smears, according to a large randomized clinical trial of nearly 19,000 women. Women who were HPV negative were also less likely to have cervical pre-cancer after four years.
Researchers developed an accurate diagnostic score that uses two simple blood tests to identify patients in need of treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus. The test was found to be as accurate as existing methods but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for sub-Saharan Africa's poorest regions.
A new study from the CDC estimates substantial numbers of people infected with HIV, but unaware of their infection, weren
A new study found that a procalcitonin biomarker test had little impact on reducing antibiotic use for patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections. The trial involved 1,656 adult patients and showed that physicians already commonly withheld antibiotics based on clinical signs alone.
The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.
The Massachusetts Public Health Department has received a $100,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to subsidize tick testing for residents. The program aims to track the incidence and spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in the state.
A new study suggests that high-quality cervical cancer screening can be effectively done using automated technology, which could improve coverage in underserved regions. The researchers developed a novel risk score algorithm based on computer-scanned liquid-based slide features to separate HPV-positive women for treatment.
A new blood test has been developed to predict tuberculosis (TB) development in high-risk individuals, such as those living with active TB, up to two years before its onset. The 'RISK4' signature measures the expression levels of four genes associated with inflammatory responses and shows improved accuracy compared to existing tests.
A new serological test developed by Brazilian scientists detects antibodies against Zika virus in blood serum with high specificity, outperforming existing tests. The test aims to improve prevention policies for pregnant women and provide more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a mobile version of ELISA, enabling point-of-care testing in doctor's offices and clinics. The new MELISA device measures progesterone levels and other hormones, making biomedical testing simple and affordable.
A new blood test for Zika virus can detect the virus up to 8 weeks after infection, providing a powerful tool for screening pregnant women and adults. The test, called ZIKV-NS2B-concat ELISA, is faster, less expensive, and more accurate than existing options, with rates of false positives and false negatives of less than 5%.
A study by German Center for Infection Research scientists found that molecular diagnostic tests for the Zika virus in Brazil were not always reliable, resulting in false-positive or false-negative results. This highlights the need for reliable diagnostics to prevent fatal consequences and inform preventive measures.
Researchers at NYU Dentistry have adapted an HIV test to create a rapid diagnostic test for Zika virus using saliva. The new test can detect both nucleic acids and antibodies of the virus in a fraction of the time of current commercial tests, producing results in minutes instead of hours or days.
A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.
Scientists at Imperial College London have developed an organ-on-chip technology to study the interaction of pathogens with artificial human organs. They tested the artificial liver's response to hepatitis B virus infection, revealing intricate mechanisms of immune evasion that could be exploited for future drug development.
Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed a new rapid-test that can accurately diagnose acute myocardial infarction and identify sepsis in just 10 minutes. The test uses immunochromatography principles and detects disease markers in blood, allowing for early treatment intervention.
A new test developed by Stanford chemists combines the convenience of spitting in a cup with the reliability of blood tests to detect HIV infections earlier. The test was shown to correctly diagnose 22 people and demonstrate improved sensitivity compared to existing saliva tests.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.
A public health-primary care collaboration tested individuals aged 40-70 in two Dutch hotspots, achieving high test uptake of 51% without detecting active/chronic hepatitis C. The strategy may be effective in areas with high disease rates but not recommended for low prevalence countries.
A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.
A study suggests that age 25 would be the most beneficial age for a one-time screening HIV test of the general population, improving rates of HIV diagnosis and overall health outcomes. However, youth at high risk should be tested more frequently.
Scientists have developed a noninvasive tuberculosis test that can detect active infections in HIV-negative patients using urine samples. The test, which traps sugar molecules found on the TB bacterium's outer coat, has shown increased sensitivity and accuracy compared to previous methods.
A new study suggests that a second HIV test can substantially reduce incorrect diagnoses in infants, saving costs on unnecessary treatment. The study found that confirmatory testing reduces the number of infants incorrectly diagnosed with HIV by 99.6%, leading to cost savings over a lifetime.
The American College of Physicians and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend screening at-risk adults, increasing hepatitis B vaccination rates, and linking infected persons to care. This can help reduce transmission and complications associated with chronic hepatitis B infection.
A new study finds that HPV testing is more sensitive than the Pap test for detecting precancerous cells. Cotesting, which combines both methods, identified more cases of treatable cancer but only affected a small number of women.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that transgender women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to receive HIV testing than trans men, whites, or those with stable housing. The research aimed to identify barriers to HIV testing in urban transgender individuals.
A new Brazilian study found that pregnant women with confirmed Zika diagnosis should be tested multiple times due to the intermittent presence of the virus in their urine. The study detected Zika virus in some women's urine for up to seven months after previous tests indicated a non-existent viral load.
A record 1.76 million people with hepatitis C were treated in 2016, but most countries are running out of patients to treat due to low diagnosis rates. Countries must boost diagnosis rates to achieve elimination targets by 2030.
New data reveals that only half of Americans with hepatitis C are aware of their condition, leading to missed opportunities for effective treatments. The lack of routine screening, asymptomatic nature of the disease, and restricted Medicaid coverage in some states contribute to these poor outcomes.
Researchers at LSU Health will test the effectiveness of physical exercise to improve blood sugar regulation in HIV/AIDS patients who also consume alcohol. The studies aim to decrease the burden of disease in this vulnerable population and guide larger scale interventions to reduce metabolic disorders.