Immunochromatographic Test Detects Dengue Infection

A rapid immunochromatographic test has been launched for the detection of dengue infection. Detecting dengue NS1 antigen in serum, the early rapid test is able to provide a specific diagnosis of dengue infection in 15 minutes following a three-step procedure.

Designed for use in conjunction with other dengue serology tests, the Panbio Dengue early rapid test was introduced by Inverness Medical (Waltham, MA, USA). It helps to diagnose active dengue infection from the first day fever appears. The early diagnosis results in rapid administration of therapy and monitoring thus reducing risks of severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

The test is especially valuable in areas where diagnosis could be confounded by serological cross-reactivity. There are four distinct Dengue virus serotypes (DEN -1, -2, -3, -4), which are immunologically related and can all cause dengue fever. The four serotypes do not provide cross-protective immunity against each other, resulting in patients in endemic regions often having more than one infection during their lifetime. The risk of DHF rises substantially with the second or subsequent infections, further emphasizing the need for early diagnosis that enables early treatment and care.

Endemic in 124 countries, the Dengue virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes. Typically, dengue fever is a nonfatal febrile illness characterized by fever, muscle pain, headache, and nausea and vomiting lasting 5-7 days. The more severe manifestations of the disease, DHF and DSS, can be fatal if therapy is not administered in the early stages.

Related Links:
Inverness Medical
Panbio Dengue Information