Portable RT-PCR Molecular Test Detects Dengue Virus with High Accuracy

Dengue virus infections can potentially lead to severe outcomes or death in patients. There is currently no approved vaccines and medicine for dengue infection, although researchers have shown that early detection and intervention can bring about much more favorable outcome in patients and relief the burdens of families and health care facilities affected. Nucleic acid tests such as multiplex RT-PCR tests are more accurate and predictive than alternative anti-body-based tests. Now, a new dengue RT-PCR virus test detects the presence of dengue virus infections with a high level of accuracy.

Anitoa Systems, LLC (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has launched a turn-key RT-PCR solution for testing dengue virus that includes one of a family of 4-6 channel small foot-print RT PCR instruments called the Maverick qPCR, with a one-step multiplex RT-PCR reagent offered in lyophilized format. Lyophilized reagents are easy to transport, without the need for refrigeration. The multiplex test detects several target genes in a sample, which are shown by researchers to be highly expressed in patients that later develops serious symptoms.

Anitoa's Maverick line of real time PCR devices are lab-accurate multi-plex qPCR instruments in a small format. They can operate on battery power (including car battery) and takes up very little bench space. Maverick qPCR instruments are built on Anitoa's proprietary CMOS image sensor-based fluorescence and chemiluminescence molecular imaging technology. By replacing the traditional bulky and costly photon-multiplier tube (PMT) and CCD-based optical sub-systems, Anitoa's ultra-low-light CMOS sensor technology enables a new generation of compact and inexpensive molecular testing platforms targeting infectious, oncology and cardio-vascular markers. Anitoa's dengue virus detection solution is part of an on-going program at the company to develop tests to help combat a series of neglected tropical diseases in low resource settings.

"We are excited to be part of the community that offer advanced diagnostic solutions for a series of neglected tropical infections. We would like to use our technology and expertise to improve our ability to address this unmet market need," said Zhimin ding, CEO of Anitoa Systems, LLC.

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