Articles tagged with Virus Testing
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a rapid test that detects bladder infections using bacteriophages, which can identify the pathogenic bacteria in under four hours. The test also allows for tailored phage therapy, predicting patient response and increasing treatment effectiveness.
Research review finds scent dogs can successfully sniff out COVID-19 in symptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and asymptomatic cases, as well as new variants and long COVID. Scent dogs demonstrate similar or better sensitivity and specificity than current gold-standard tests.
A Danish population-based nonrandomized intervention study found that a catch-up HPV screening intervention improved cervical cancer prevention in women aged 65 and above. The study showed that these women were more likely to be diagnosed with cervical neoplasia after receiving the test.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an all-species coronavirus test that can detect exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus in any animal species. The new test focuses on antibodies against a protein called N-protein, which is more abundant and conserved across species, making it a good target for cross-species antibody tests.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
Peruvoside has been discovered to prevent up to 12 medically important viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and Influenza. The compound acts on GBF1 protein, disabling its functionality and stopping virus production.
Researchers at the University of Washington created an app called FeverPhone that uses existing phone sensors and screens to estimate whether people have fevers. The app was tested on 37 patients in an emergency department and showed accuracy comparable to consumer thermometers, with potential for early intervention in viral outbreaks.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed an innovative adhesive bandage that can quickly detect COVID-19 antibodies in the bloodstream. The test uses gold nanoparticles to recognize and bind to IgM and IgG antibodies, providing users with critical information about their immune response to the infection.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that the CARD8 inflammasome sensor is essential for detecting coronavirus infections, but may detect different viruses in different people. The researchers also discovered that genetic variation among humans and across species affects the sensor's ability to detect viral enzymes.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those over 70, had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset mental disorders compared to the general population. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed increased mental disorder risk similar to non-COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Researchers used AI tools to simplify a test for hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2, achieving 97% accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 and 95% accuracy for the most prevalent version of hepatitis C. The team plans to refine the test, improve its ability to distinguish between strains, and potentially develop at-home tests in the future.
A new study in Viruses journal reveals significant viral diversity in bats and pig farms in Viet Nam, highlighting the risks of CoV spillover. The research calls for increased surveillance and One Health action to prevent pandemic emergence.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a first rapid test for mpox, a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, which can be detected within minutes. The test uses nanomaterials heterostructures to detect trace amounts of genetic material in biological samples.
Focusing public health messages on protecting oneself versus others has a significant impact on vaccination rates. A study found that messages emphasizing protection of one's community led to higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination than those focused on personal protection.
A study found that two-thirds of staff and residents in long-term care facilities in England were infected with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022. The analysis, which included over 5,000 individuals, estimated that the true rate of infection was higher due to under-diagnosis during the pandemic.
A Danish study has validated a dried blood spot test that can detect HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C from a single drop of blood. The test uses existing hospital equipment and is suitable for places where needle-based testing is not practical or feasible.
Researchers developed a multifunctional patch that detects plant diseases and abiotic stresses like drought or salinity. The patch can detect viral infections up to a week before symptoms appear, enabling growers to take action earlier.
Targeted testing for HIV in emergency departments has led to a significant increase in diagnoses, with numbers more than tripling in Spain. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding the spread of HIV infection, and targeted screening has been shown to be effective, especially in increasing tests ordered and diagnoses made.
Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.
Research found that STI and HIV testing rates dropped significantly in March 2020, while positive test rates rose. The decline was likely driven by public health recommendations limiting in-person visits during the pandemic.
Scientists have developed a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of COVID-19 and flu viruses at much lower levels and quickly, using graphene nanomaterials. The sensor returns results within 10 seconds, faster than conventional tests.
A cohort study found that nirmatrelvir treatment within five days of a positive COVID-19 test result was associated with reduced post-COVID-19 condition risk, regardless of vaccination status and prior infection history. The study suggests that nirmatrelvir may reduce the risk of long COVID across the risk spectrum.
The new test helps detect new HIV infection and follows current guidelines for testing patients on HIV prevention medication. The study identified successful efforts and opportunities for process improvement during the first three months of implementation.
A new study found that frequent COVID surveillance testing protected nursing home residents by detecting infected staff earlier, disrupting transmission chains. The research showed that high testing frequency facilities had clinically meaningful reductions in resident cases and deaths, particularly before vaccine availability.
A research team from MedUni Vienna found that only neutralizing antibodies can inform us about protection against new infections. The study discovered a previously unknown weak point of the virus, which is a conserved site on the surface of the virus.
A research review found that COVID-19 lacks canine data, fueling concerns about the risk of pet animals serving as virus reservoirs. The lack of testing has made it difficult to understand the susceptibility of dogs to the new variants.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that receiving Paxlovid within 5 days of COVID-19 symptoms significantly reduced the risk of hospital admission or death. The medication was effective in people with prior immunity and all ages.
A University of Michigan study suggests that exhaled breath contains unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can mark distinction between COVID-19, variants and non-COVID illnesses. The researchers developed a portable gas chromatography device to analyze breath samples with high accuracy.
A Canadian study found that those infected with COVID-19 in the first wave in 2020 were 40% less likely to get infected during the first six months of Omicron activity. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, were significantly less likely to be infected than younger adults.
A new method developed by Flatiron Institute researchers can diagnose COVID-19 with near-perfect accuracy, even in asymptomatic patients. The technique monitors the body's molecular response to a viral attack and measures mRNA molecules to identify an immune response.
Researchers created a statistical model to predict who is resistant to COVID-19, using health characteristics from electronic records. The model identified patterns in patients with similar features, suggesting that genetic and environmental differences influence their defense against the virus.
A new mathematical model uses wastewater samples to predict COVID-19 cases five days in advance, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA with high sensitivity. The approach could help authorities tailor infection control policies when clinical surveillance is lacking.
Researchers confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus in tigers and leopards in Nepal, which can cause fatal neurological disease. The study found that 11% of tigers and 30% of leopards had antibodies to CDV, indicating prior infection with the virus.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in 18.2% of tear samples from patients with COVID-19, and in 12.1% of those collected using the Schirmer strip test. The method may predict patient prognosis and provide an alternative to uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabbing.
A study by Emory University researchers found that extracts from two wild plants, tall goldenrod and eagle fern, inhibited the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect living cells. The active compounds are present in miniscule quantities, making it ineffective for self-treatment, but may hold promise as medicines against COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test called p-LFAs that can detect and quantify protein concentrations to identify bacterial and viral infections. The test is 1,000 times more sensitive than conventional tests, returning results in just 20 minutes.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
A University of Houston research team has developed a new method for early diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis using a smartphone-based test. The test assesses the levels of ALCAM protein in urine, showing high diagnostic accuracy for renal pathology activity in active lupus nephritis.
A study by Osaka University compared the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The results showed that RATs had a high enough sensitivity to suggest frequent testing using RATs may still be the best approach.
Researchers identified 7 key symptoms of long COVID, including heart issues and joint pain, in a study of 52,461 patients. The findings could help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 virus in almost all plane wastewater at three UK airports during a period of COVID restrictions. The study suggests that wastewater testing could be used to monitor the general health of passengers on flights entering the country, potentially capturing 8-14% of SARS-CoV-2 cases.
A new test developed by Cambridge researchers uses single strands of DNA as 'bait' to detect multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and COVID-19, with highly accurate results in under an hour. The test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the use of antibiotics.
A large study found that most symptoms of long COVID resolve within a year after a mild COVID-19 infection. Vaccinated people were at lower risk of breathing difficulties, the most common effect to develop after mild infection, compared with unvaccinated people.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease, which shows promise in accurately identifying infected individuals. The new test could improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes for both humans and animals.
Researchers discovered a new CRISPR protein that can degrade single-stranded RNA, DNA, and double-stranded DNA, enabling the development of inexpensive and highly sensitive diagnostic tests for various infectious diseases. The test could combine high sensitivity and accuracy with rapid at-home diagnostic features.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends against routine COVID-19 testing for symptom-free patients. Instead, enhanced infection prevention interventions should be used to protect patients and healthcare providers.
A new rapid test developed by the University of Würzburg uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity. The test takes only a few seconds to produce reliable results, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
Researchers developed a method to estimate seroprevalence using blood donation samples, offering insights into the first year of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil. The study found significant differences among regions and subgroups, highlighting the need for real-time tracking and forecasting of future waves.
A new model created by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that pregnant individuals had a 50% lower exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the general population in the earliest months of the pandemic. This protection was likely due to shielding measures, including masking and social distancing.
Researchers developed a Quenchbody fluorescent immunosensor that detects SARS-CoV-2 with exceptional speed and sensitivity. Adding a crowding agent enhances performance, allowing for lower detection limits and faster results. The technology shows promise for rapid and cost-efficient diagnosis of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
A new mass screening system for Covid cases has been developed using artificial intelligence techniques. The system, which involves a hydroalcoholic gel and a QR code, can instantly evaluate the risk of having Covid and provide results with almost total sensitivity (97%).
Researchers have identified a compound that shows early promise at halting infections from a range of coronaviruses, including all variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold. The findings reveal a potential path toward antiviral treatments that could be used against many different pathogens.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that nearly 90% of deceased individuals at a Zambian morgue were infected with COVID-19, contradicting previous assertions that the virus spared Africa. The study suggests that the reported death toll in Africa is substantially higher than official records indicate.
Researchers developed an accurate predictive model to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative test outcomes. The study found that symptom features, such as fever and difficulty breathing, play a significant role in predicting test results, with molecular tests yielding lower positive rates due to their dependence on viral load.
A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.
The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.
Researchers developed novel liquid-coated air filters that capture viable bacterial and viral samples for analysis. The filters show promise in improving early pathogen detection and aerosol sampling efforts.
Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.
A systematic review of national clinical practice guidelines in Europe found that fewer than half include HIV testing recommendations for patients with medical conditions indicating HIV infection. This omission hinders efforts to stop the spread of HIV through timely diagnosis, affecting the lives of people living with HIV.