Wednesday, February 1, 2023
News on Pathogens and Preparedness
Global Biodefense
  • Featured
  • COVID-19
  • Funding
  • Directory
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • Featured
  • COVID-19
  • Funding
  • Directory
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Global Biodefense
No Result
View All Result
Home Biodetection

Luminex Technology Supporting USAMRIID Ebola Response

by Global Biodefense Staff
August 5, 2014
Ebola Virus

Luminex Corporation this week announced that U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Diagnostics Division is working on rapid diagnostics for the Ebola virus using Luminex xMAP Technology. Luminex’s MAGPIX system was recently deployed to Africa to support research efforts to control the current outbreak.

The recent Ebola outbreak has so far claimed 729 lives across Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone according to the World Health Organization . Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Early diagnosis is critical for proper management of the illness and prevention of spread.

Developed by USAMRIID Diagnostics Division and run on the MAGPIX system, the assays test serum samples for the presence of viral antigens (proteins) as well as antibodies directed at these antigens. Results of the assays provide information about replication of the virus and the immune response of the host, respectively.

In a study conducted in rhesus macaques, Dr. Abbe Ames and colleagues showed that some animals may be able to limit the replication of the virus, and thus have a better chance of survival.1 Understanding the pathophysiology of the Ebola virus may assist in the development of countermeasures against the disease that could save lives.

“Our open architecture instruments provide researchers a flexible tool for assay development that can advance their research goals,” said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex. “Understanding the functional progression of a virus is extremely valuable information. Luminex is proud to support researchers, clinicians and biosurveillance professionals and their important work in the global effort to combat infectious diseases.”

Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. Outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90% and occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.2 Because of the potential for human-to-human transmission, it is important to quickly identify infected individuals so proper precautions can be taken to limit spread of the disease.

References

1) https://globalbiodefense.com/2014/07/15/usamriid-providing-laboratory-support-ebola-outbreak/

2) Ebola virus disease. World Health Organization (Internet). Cited 2014 July. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/.

Source: Luminex press release, adapted. xMAP and MAGPIX are registered, protected terms of Luminex Corporation.

Tags: EbolaMobile Response

Related Posts

small glass vials on an assembly line await filling of vaccine solution
Industry News

Sabin Vaccine Institute to Advance Ebola Sudan and Marburg Vaccines with New BARDA Funding

January 12, 2023
two soldiers are in head-to-toe hazmat suits with respirator masks while tending to a mannikin on a stretcher
CBRNE

Protection from Biothreats: DOD to Modernize Medical Countermeasures Development

January 10, 2023
DoD Awards ENA Respiratory $4.38M for Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Development
Industry News

DoD Awards ENA Respiratory $4.38M for Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Development

January 10, 2023
Killing Anthrax More Quickly with Hot Air Decontamination
CBRNE

Killing Anthrax More Quickly with Hot Air Decontamination

January 4, 2023
Load More

Latest News

Partner Therapeutics’ Novel Approach to Stratify Sepsis Patients Gains Backing From BARDA

Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment (BRaVE) Initiative Backed by $105M DOE Funding

January 25, 2023
Influenza Proteins Tilt and Wave in ‘Breath-like’ Motions

Influenza Proteins Tilt and Wave in ‘Breath-like’ Motions

January 25, 2023
Biodefense Headlines – 24 January 2023

Biodefense Headlines – 24 January 2023

January 24, 2023
Biodefense Headlines – 17 January 2023

Biodefense Headlines – 17 January 2023

January 17, 2023

Subscribe

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2022 Stemar Media Group LLC

No Result
View All Result
  • Featured
  • COVID-19
  • Funding
  • Directory
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Subscribe

© 2022 Stemar Media Group LLC

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are okay with it.OkPrivacy policy