Researchers develop faster test for diagnosing Zika virus

Research teams at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center recently developed a new detection test for Zika virus that is faster and more accurate than contemporary tests.

“The new diagnostic test was designed to more accurately detect Zika for a longer period of time after infection and reduce false positives due to cross reactivity with other flaviviruses,” UTMB professor Pei Yong Shi said. “The technology has been jointly patented by UTMB and the Wadsworth Center. We anticipate that the new test, called a microsphere immunofluorescence assay or MIA, will soon be approved for use in a clinical setting.”

The study involved using samples from 153 patients with known Zika or dengue fever virus, and demonstrated that the MIA test is more sensitive than current tests in diagnosing the virus.

“Our partnership with the Wadworth’s Center is an excellent example of innovation that allows us to combine unique areas of expertise to advance this diagnostic test,” Sundeep Mattamana, director of the UTMB Office of Technology Transfer, said. “Our office is working closely with the technology transfer office at the Wadsorth Center to protect and commercialize this joint technology.”

UTMB, the National Institutes of Health, the University of Texas, and the Pan American Health Organization all assisted in the study.

Findings were published in the journal EBioMedicine.