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Optical Biosensor Rapidly Detects Monkeypox Virus
Context:
A new variant of the human mpox virus has emerged, resulting in a mortality rate of approximately 5% among reported infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2023, with many of the victims being children.
More in News
- A different but less fatal variant of mpox has caused an outbreak affecting over 100 countries since 2022.
- There is an urgent demand for faster and more cost-effective diagnostic tools to control the spread of mpox and prepare for potential future pandemics.
- Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Boston University have developed a new optical biosensor capable of rapidly detecting the monkeypox virus.
About Mpox Virus:
- Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus.
- Symptoms include fever, pain, rashes, and lesions that can resemble those of other viral infections, making diagnosis challenging.
- The virus can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact.
Recent Findings:
- The study detailing the biosensor was published on November 14, 2024, in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
- The optical biosensor allows for point-of-care diagnosis, eliminating the need for laboratory testing that can take days or weeks.
- The researchers used samples from lesions of a patient with confirmed mpox, incubating them with monoclonal antibodies that bind to viral proteins.
Key Features of the Optical Biosensor:
- Rapid Detection
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- Quick Results: Differentiates mpox samples within two minutes.
- Point-of-Care Testing: Enables immediate testing in clinical settings without laboratory facilities.
- High Sensitivity and Specificity
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- Targeted Detection: Uses monoclonal antibodies for accurate identification of the monkeypox virus.
- Sensitive Signal Detection: A colour camera captures subtle interference patterns for precise measurement.
- Advanced Optical Technology
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- Interference Patterns: Utilises light interference to enhance detection capabilities.
- Nanoparticle Fixation: Stabilises virus-antibody complexes on treated silicon chips for accurate results.
- Versatility
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- Broad Application: Effective for detecting other viruses, including Ebola and COVID-19, indicating wide diagnostic potential.
- Cost-Effectiveness
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- Lower Testing Costs: Streamlines the diagnostic process, making it more affordable and accessible.
