CRISPR Test Diagnoses Mpox Faster Than Lab-Based PCR Method
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 14 Feb 2024 |
|
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease transmitted through physical contact and typically presents mild symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, though severe cases can require medical intervention. Due to its contagious nature, prompt testing is crucial for isolation and treatment purposes. Current mpox testing requires laboratory equipment and may take hours to yield results. Now, new research suggests a way for faster mpox testing that could be done in any clinic.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA, USA) have utilized CRISPR, the groundbreaking gene-editing technology, to develop a faster mpox test. For their study, the team designed a genetic sequence with an attached reporter specifically targeting the mpox virus. The test employs programmable CRISPR RNA that binds to the target and a protein called Cas12a, which together cleaves the reporter to produce fragments of varying sizes. Using nanopore sensing technology, these reporter fragments are analyzed to rapidly and accurately determine the presence of mpox in a sample.
The specificity of the test was validated by its inability to detect cowpox virus, a relative of mpox, thereby confirming its exclusive sensitivity to mpox. This testing method significantly reduces the detection time, taking only 32 to 55 minutes depending on the viral load, compared to the longer duration required for PCR lab testing. The research team is exploring the application of this nanopore technology for the development of tests for other pathogens, aiming to enable multi-target testing from a single sample using a portable device. Although this technology is not yet commercially available, the researchers hope to create a device that could facilitate widespread pathogen testing.
Related Links:
Pennsylvania State University
Latest Microbiology News
- Study Highlights Accuracy Gaps in Consumer Gut Microbiome Kits
- WHO Recommends Near POC Tests, Tongue Swabs and Sputum Pooling for TB Diagnosis
- New Imaging Approach Could Help Predict Dangerous Gut Infection
- Rapid Sequencing Could Transform Tuberculosis Care
- Blood-Based Viral Signature Identified in Crohn’s Disease
- Hidden Gut Viruses Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk
- Three-Test Panel Launched for Detection of Liver Fluke Infections
- Rapid Test Promises Faster Answers for Drug-Resistant Infections
- CRISPR-Based Technology Neutralizes Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease
- AI-Powered Platform Enables Rapid Detection of Drug-Resistant C. Auris Pathogens
- New Test Measures How Effectively Antibiotics Kill Bacteria
- New Antimicrobial Stewardship Standards for TB Care to Optimize Diagnostics
- New UTI Diagnosis Method Delivers Antibiotic Resistance Results 24 Hours Earlier
- Breakthroughs in Microbial Analysis to Enhance Disease Prediction
- Blood-Based Diagnostic Method Could Identify Pediatric LRTIs
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
Routine Blood Markers Predict Heart Failure Risk in Prediabetes
Heart failure prevention relies on finding high-risk adults before symptoms appear, yet effective stratification remains difficult in routine care. Prediabetes affects an estimated 115.2 million U.... Read more
First IVD Immunoassay to Detect Alzheimer’s Risk Gene Variant Receives CE Mark
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 70% of dementia cases worldwide and is projected to affect nearly 150 million people by 2050, underscoring the need for scalable, accessible diagnostics.... Read more
Molecular Diagnostics
view channel
Liquid Biopsy Method Pinpoints Disease Source From a Single Drop of Blood
Liquid biopsy offers a noninvasive way to assess disease, but many assays still lack reliable tissue-of-origin localization and robust performance for early cancer detection. Researchers now report a method... Read more
Study Reveals Widespread Errors in Gene Variant Naming
Accurate variant nomenclature underpins the ability of clinical laboratories to retrieve and interpret evidence for rare disease diagnosis. Yet many patients face prolonged diagnostic journeys; in the U.... Read more
Hematology
view channel
Rapid Cartridge-Based Test Aims to Expand Access to Hemoglobin Disorder Diagnosis
Sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia are hemoglobin disorders that often require referral to specialized laboratories for definitive diagnosis, delaying results for patients and clinicians.... Read more
New Guidelines Aim to Improve AL Amyloidosis Diagnosis
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder in which abnormal amyloid proteins accumulate in organs. Approximately 3,260 people in the United States are diagnosed... Read more
Immunology
view channel
Cancer Mutation ‘Fingerprints’ to Improve Prediction of Immunotherapy Response
Cancer cells accumulate thousands of genetic mutations, but not all mutations affect tumors in the same way. Some make cancer cells more visible to the immune system, while others allow tumors to evade... Read more
Immune Signature Identified in Treatment-Resistant Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder in which immune attack at the neuromuscular junction causes fluctuating weakness that can impair vision, movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing.... Read more
New Biomarker Predicts Chemotherapy Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer in which patients often show widely varying responses to chemotherapy. Predicting who will benefit from treatment remains challenging,... Read more
Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read morePathology
view channel
AI-Powered Tool to Transform Dermatopathology Workflow
Skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancer diagnoses in the United States, placing sustained pressure on pathology services. Diagnostic interpretation can be variable for challenging melanocytic... Read more
New Chromogenic Culture Media Enable Rapid Detection of Candida Infections
Invasive Candida infections are challenging for healthcare systems, with some strains spreading rapidly in hospitals and showing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Candida auris is associated with... Read more
Technology
view channel
New Electronic Pipette Enhances Workflows with Touchscreen Control
Manual pipetting remains a routine yet error-prone step that can affect reproducibility and throughput in clinical and research laboratories. Training demands and ergonomic strain also add variability... Read more
AI Model Outperforms Clinicians in Rare Disease Detection
Rare diseases affect an estimated 300 million people worldwide, yet diagnosis is often protracted and error-prone. Many conditions present with heterogeneous signs that overlap with common disorders, leading... Read more
AI-Driven Diagnostic Demonstrates High Accuracy in Detecting Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious complication affecting 1% to 2% of primary joint replacement surgeries. The condition occurs when bacteria or fungi infect tissues around an implanted... Read more
Industry
view channel
Automated MSI Test Gains IVDR Certification to Guide CRC Therapy
Treatment selection for metastatic colorectal cancer often requires knowledge of a tumor’s microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Timely results can help clinicians decide on immunotherapy options.... Read more
