We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




New Hantavirus Rapid Test Paves Way for Early Outbreak Control

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 Feb 2024

Orthohantaviruses, known for their ability to cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Eurasia and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Americas, are significant public health concerns due to their high transmission rates and impact on health. More...

These zoonotic pathogens have been the focus of extensive research, particularly for controlling outbreaks and devising intervention strategies. In South Korea's Gyeonggi Province, a notable number of HFRS cases have been reported, highlighting the need for diligent epidemiological surveillance and a deeper understanding of orthohantaviruses' genomic diversity. Now, new research has unveiled the potential of cost-efficient Flongle sequencing for rapid hantavirus genome-based diagnostics and phylogeographical surveillance.

A research team from Korea University College of Medicine (Seoul, South Korea) undertook a study in the Gyeonggi Province to investigate the prevalence, viral loads, and genetic variations of Hantaan orthohantavirus (HTNV). They utilized Flongle sequencing, an innovative and budget-friendly approach, for detecting HTNV genomes, emphasizing the use of the Oxford MinION nanopore sequencer in the field of next-generation sequencing technologies. The team's methodology included capturing rodents and shrews from various areas using live traps, followed by mitochondrial DNA analysis, indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests, and other molecular methods for species identification and virus detection.

During the 2017-2018 surveillance in Gyeonggi Province, a substantial presence of Apodemus agrarius, a common rodent species, was noted. Among these, 12.4% were found to be seropositive for HTNV, indicating the virus's prevalence in the region. The use of Flongle sequencing was key in acquiring full-length genomic sequences from positive samples, achieving high coverage rates and accuracy on par with Illumina sequencing. The study's phylogeographical analysis revealed distinct evolutionary divergence among HTNV's tripartite genomes, with genetic clustering and evolutionary pattern incongruences highlighting the virus's segment-specific evolution.

While the study offers critical insights, the researchers acknowledge limitations like the need for enhanced sensitivity testing of Flongle-based diagnostics and the requirement for broader genomic and epidemiological data in certain endemic areas. This research represents a major advancement in the understanding of orthohantaviruses and sets the stage for more focused strategies to combat HFRS outbreaks. The findings underscore the importance of genomics in disease surveillance and hold promise for improved responses to emerging infectious diseases.

“We developed a rapid and sensitive on-site diagnostic using a nanopore-based Flongle chip with a reasonable cost of around $100. This approach enables virtually whole-genome sequencing of HTNV within 3 hours,” said Prof. Jin-Won Song from Korea University College of Medicine who led the research. "We believe our findings provide important insights into on-site diagnostics, genome-based surveillance, and the evolutionary dynamics of orthohantaviruses to mitigate hantaviral outbreaks in HFRS-endemic areas in the ROK. Our study pioneers the integration of cost-efficient Flongle sequencing into hantavirus diagnostics, offering a rapid and accurate tool for on-site detection. This innovation has the potential to transform how we approach and manage hantavirus outbreaks."

Related Links:
Korea University College of Medicine 


New
Gold Member
Latex Test
SLE-Latex Test
Verification Panels for Assay Development & QC
Seroconversion Panels
New
Varicella Zoster Test
ZEUS ELISA Varicella Zoster IgG Test System
New
Clostridium Difficile Test
Immunocard Toxins A&B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The GlycoLocate platform uses multi-omics and advanced computational biology algorithms to diagnose early-stage cancers (Photo courtesy of AOA Dx)

AI-Powered Blood Test Accurately Detects Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, largely due to late-stage diagnoses. Although over 90% of women exhibit symptoms in Stage I, only 20% are diagnosed in... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The cancer stem cell test can accurately choose more effective treatments (Photo courtesy of University of Cincinnati)

Stem Cell Test Predicts Treatment Outcome for Patients with Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer frequently responds to chemotherapy initially, but eventually, the tumor develops resistance to the therapy, leading to regrowth. This resistance is partially due to the activation... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Scanning electron microscopy images showing 3D micro-printed Limacon-shaped whispering-gallery-mode microcavities with different amounts of deformation (Photo courtesy of A. Ping Zhang/PolyU)

Tiny Microlaser Sensors with Supercharged Biosensing Ability to Enable Early Disease Diagnosis

Optical whispering-gallery-mode microlaser sensors function by trapping light within tiny microcavities. When target molecules bind to the cavity, they induce subtle changes in the laser’s frequency, allowing... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.