Quest Diagnostics is launching an oropouche virus screening test

Quest Diagnostics has announced the launch of a new laboratory test for the diagnosis of the Oropouche virus. Meanwhile, an increasingly present emerging disease in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. In addition, The oropouche virus. For example, which is spread in humans by infected bite -bike flies as well as certain mosquito species, is in full emergence on the American continent. Furthermore, If the current threat to the North American population remains low. the virus has been reported in several regions of South America, Central America and the Caribbean, the majority of infected people with symptoms.

In the United States, the cases identified are limited to travelers returning from countries where local transmission is proven. Clinically, oropouche viral disease is manifested by symptoms similar to those other arboviroses such as dengue, zika or chikungunya. Although most patients heal spontaneously, the Oropouche virus quest diagnostics launching oropouche virus can also cause more serious neurovasive forms, such as meningitis or encephalitis.

The test will be available on medical prescription for clinical purposes by the end of the month. The Pointe de Quest laboratory. located in San Juan Capistrano, California, has developed and carried out this test using PCR technology (chain reaction by polymerase), while a serological test will be offered later in the quarter. The reverse PCR test identifies the virus RNA at the early stages of the infection in order to facilitate. the diagnosis.

The serological test. which detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, will diagnose infection at more advanced stages.