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

Download Mobile App




Simple Blood Test Could Detect Risk of Viral Infection-Induced Cardiac Arrest

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 07 Mar 2024

Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart often caused by the body's immune response to a viral infection, can cause sudden cardiac death. More...

Alarmingly, myocarditis accounts for up to 42% of sudden cardiac deaths in young adults, with viral infection being the primary cause. Traditionally, clinical understanding has focused on how inflammation affects heart rate or rhythm. Now, a new understanding from the latest research suggests completely different directions to diagnose and treat viral infections affecting the heart

A new study led by scientists from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA, USA) has discovered that the virus itself can create dangerous conditions in the heart even before inflammation begins. The study identified an acute phase where the virus first invades the heart, preceding the onset of inflammation due to the body’s immune response. This early infection stage sets the stage for arrhythmias before any tissue inflammation. The research specifically examined adenovirus, often involved in cardiac infections and myocarditis, using Mouse Adenovirus Type-3 to mimic the human infection process. They discovered that at the onset of infection, the virus interferes with essential elements of the heart’s communication and electrical systems, leading to potential disruptions even before symptoms appear. The infection affects the heart's gap junctions, the communication channels between heart cells, and ion channels, the regulatory gates in cell membranes essential for maintaining ion balance crucial for normal heart electrical activity and beating.

When these communication systems and regulators are disturbed by the adenoviral infection, the heart may develop irregular electrical activity patterns known as arrhythmias, impacting its ability to beat and pump blood effectively. This can result in sudden cardiac issues, particularly in individuals with active infections. With the focus now shifting to molecular-level interventions targeting heart arrhythmias caused by viral infections, the researchers now plan to explore methods to detect blood biomarkers indicative of these severe conditions. The aim is to identify high-risk individuals through a simple blood test at the doctor's office, potentially transforming the approach to managing viral cardiac infections.

“Individuals who have acute infections can look normal by MRI and echocardiography, but when we delved into the molecular level, we saw that something very dangerous could occur,” said James Smyth, associate professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, who led the research. “In terms of diagnostics, we can now work with our colleagues here to start looking ways to analyze blood for a biomarker of the more serious problem. People get cardiac infections all the time and they recover. But can we identify what's different about individuals that are at a higher risk to have the arrhythmia, possibly through a simple blood test in the doctor's office.”

Related Links:
Virginia Tech


Gold Member
Hematology Analyzer
Medonic M32B
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
Blood Glucose Test Strip
AutoSense Test
New
Gold Member
Automated MALDI-TOF MS System
EXS 3000
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

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Automated cell imaging discriminates CD8+ T cells according to natalizumab treatment outcome in MS patients (B Chaves et al., Nat Commun 16, 5533 (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60224-3)

Novel Tool Predicts Most Effective Multiple Sclerosis Medication for Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and degenerative neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to motor, cognitive, and mental impairments. Symptoms can include... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The SWITCH hybrid pipette is designed to simplify and accelerate pipetting tasks (Photo courtesy of INTEGRA)

Hybrid Pipette Combines Manual Control with Fast Electronic Aliquoting

Manual pipettes offer the control needed for delicate tasks such as mixing or supernatant removal, but typically fall short in repetitive workflows like aliquoting. Electronic pipettes solve this problem... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: ELITechGroup’s unique Real-Time PCR technologies include the revolutionary Minor Groove Binder (Photo courtesy of ELITechGroup)

ELITech and Hitachi High-Tech to Develop Automated PCR Testing System for Infectious Diseases

Molecular testing has become central to diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases by analyzing genetic information. The use of PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic showed its value, but traditional systems... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.