BioMérieux’s New Automated Tests for Chikungunya Virus Diagnosis Offer Better Traceability

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to humans by certain mosquitoes. Due to the significant spread of these mosquitoes throughout the world, this infection which was originally present in only tropical regions, has now been described and can be acquired locally in many countries, including recently in temperate climates like North America and Europe. Now, new tests for the diagnosis of CHIKV infection aim to help improve access to medically important automated diagnostic tests in low- and middle-income countries.

bioMérieux (Marcy-l'Étoile, France) has launched the new CE-Marked VIDAS Anti-CHIKUNGUNYA IgM and Anti-CHIKUNGUNYA IgG automated tests intended as an aid in the diagnosis of CHIKV infection. These serological assays, as recommended by international guidelines, can detect Chikungunya infection during the acute phase and into the chronic phase. Their development has been based on methods and technologies from the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Used on the VIDAS family platforms, the VIDAS Anti- CHIKUNGUNYA IgM and IgG tests provide reliable results with better traceability than existing manual methods. Their performance and accuracy allow the differentiation of this diagnosis from other similar febrile syndromes caused by infections such as dengue or malaria. Based on single-sample testing and “Load & Go” concepts, the VIDAS Anti- CHIKUNGUNYA IgM and IgG are easy to use and accessible to all laboratories. Relying on bioMérieux’s expertise in infectious diseases, these serological assays enable clear-cut results with no equivocal zone and an objective interpretation.

“This new VIDAS CHIKUNGUNYA panel complements the VIDAS DENGUE solution launched last year,” said Pierre Boulud, Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Operations, bioMérieux. “Our offer of immunoassays directed against vector-borne diseases helps improve access to medically important automated diagnostic tests in low- and middle-income countries. The large VIDAS installed base in these countries allows fast and wide availability of these tests.”

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