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Seegene Introduces New Dengue Virus Molecular Diagnostics
EHM News Bureau
A new multiplex PCR system has ushered in hope for the medical
fraternity and patients, which will detect all four dengue virus serotypes and
chikungunya virus simultaneously. Dengue and chikungunya, have almost taken
epidemic proportions in the country, with 7761 cases and 129 deaths so far.
The new molecular diagnostic system has been developed by Dr Jong-Yoon Chun
of Seegene Life Sciences Institute, Seoul, Korea, in collaboration with Prof
Sazaly AbuBaker of the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malayasia. After
successful initial evaluation on at least 300 suspected dengue and chikungunya
patients, Dr Chun has now brought this technology in India.
His team is in talks with hospitals like AIIMS, Apollo, Dr Lal Path Labs and
with the Government. "At the moment, we just want hospitals and labs to
test the kit for its efficacy," says Dr Chun.
Scientists and doctors have already emphasised on the need for an early detection
of the infections, especially by using molecular diagnostics to ensure that
immediate preventive control measures can be undertaken by the authorities to
curb the spread of the diseases while at the same time allow doctors to rigorously
monitor confirmed dengue patients and accord proper treatment thereof in the
best possible way to reduce mortality.
Where the conventional serological methods are not reliable and do not allow
early detection, the Seegene's system can accurately detect and differentiate
specific dengue virus serotypes (DEN1-DEN4) and chikungunya virus with just
one step PCR. Prof AbuBakar was able to detect the presence of dengue virus
in samples of patients as early as on day one of fever and in at least 60 per
cent of the IgM negative patients that later seroconvert.
According to Dr Chun, the system is sensitive enough to detect even at a very
low copy number of the virus. This allows early detection of the virus and also
if there's co-infection with multiple dengue virus serotypes and/or chikungunya
virus.
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