A Faster And More Accurate Diagnostic Test For Mosquito-borne Diseases In The Works
Singapore scientists are developing a single test that can detect and differentiate multiple mosquito-borne viruses and their types
SINGAPORE, 24 APRIL 2019 – Scientists from Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), in collaboration with the Environmental Health Institute (EHI) of the National Environment Agency (NEA), and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), have developed a new mass spectrometry-based method that can concurrently detect and differentiate multiple vector-borne flaviviruses, including dengue and Zika. It has the potential to be developed into a diagnostic test that can screen for multiple diseases, using a small volume of biological samples in a single test. These findings were published in leading scientific journal PNAS1 on 18 March 2019.
The prototype protein-based test works by tracking a particular secreted flaviviral protein, known as nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), which is unique for each virus and type. This allows the test to detect multiple flaviviruses, as well as viral co-infections, in a single tube. Currently, each flavivirus diagnosis requires a specific test. Even if the samples can be combined in a single tube (such as with PCR2), such combinations tend to compromise the detection sensitivity.
NS1 is commonly used as a diagnostic target for dengue. Existing commercially available dengue NS1 tests do not distinguish between the four serotypes of dengue virus. This new diagnostic test produced gave 100 percent accuracy in distinguishing between different flaviviruses and their types. It can also be extended to test for newly emerging flaviviruses and their types, in a short timeframe. This diagnostic test was validated by well characterised dengue patient samples obtained from EHI and NCID.
With prompt and more accurate flavivirus diagnosis, a more efficient response towards flavivirus infection is possible, thus improving disease management and control.
“The proteomic test we have developed offers many advantages, including the ability to diagnose and determine multiple flaviviruses and their types over a longer diagnostic window3 in a single test. This makes it unique compared to existing diagnostic methods, and could be a boon for efforts to tackle such diseases,” explained Dr Jayantha Gunaratne, Principal Investigator at A*STAR’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, and lead researcher of the study.
The research team plans to further develop the prototype test as an in vitro diagnostic device, and eventually commercialise it in accordance with local health regulatory requirements.
For more information, please refer to the paper “Multiplex targeted mass spectrometry assay for one-shot flavivirus diagnosis”, published online by the journal PNAS on 18 March 2019.
Link to online version: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2019/03/12/1817867116
1 PNAS: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
2 PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction
3 A longer diagnostic window makes it possible for the test to detect flaviviruses with high accuracy for up to nine days following the onset of clinical symptoms, whilst existing tests decrease in sensitivity after five days.
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About A*STAR’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)
The vision of Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) is to be a premier cell and molecular biology institute which addresses the mechanistic basis of human diseases and its mission is to conduct cutting-edge discovery research in disease pathways; to groom early career researchers to be future leaders in research; and to collaborate with medical and industry communities for research impact. IMCB plays an important role training and recruiting scientific talents, and has contributed to the development of other research entities in Singapore. Its success in fostering a biomedical research culture in Singapore has catalysed Singapore’s transformation into an international hub for biomedical research, development and innovation.
Funded by A*STAR, IMCB’s Discovery research comprises 5 major programmes: Cancer Cell Signalling, Multi-Modal Molecular (M3) Biology, Epigenetics and Diseases, iPS cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Technology and Translation. IMCB’s technologies and platforms focus on Genome-wide RNAi, Humanized Mouse Models, Proteomics and Protein Engineering, Gene Therapy and Gene Editing, and Molecular Histopathology.
For more information about IMCB, please visit www.imcb.a-star.edu.sg.
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society.
As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.
We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and research entities, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.