ViroCap test can detect any virus that infects animals and humans (Photo : YouTube/ BBC News)
Scientists in the United States have developed a new test called ViroCap that can detect any virus that infects animals and humans.
Dr. Gregory Storch of Washington University School of Medicine said that with the new test, they do not have to know what they are looking for. It can detect viruses that are present at low levels effectively. He further said that they think the test will be particularly helpful in conditions in which the cause of the outbreak of a disease is not known.
According to researchers, this test can be used to detect all viruses in humans and animals, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Marburg and Ebola.
In addition, the ViroCap test can also be used to detect routine viruses such as the norovirus or rotavirus, Medical News Today reported. These viruses cause serious gastrointestinal infections.
Scientist evaluated the new test by taking two sets of samples - for instance, from nasal secretions, stool and blood from patients at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Standard testing found viruses in 10 of 14 patients; however the new test detected viruses in the four kids that standard testing had missed.
Varicella-zoster virus, herpes virus 1, parechovirus and influenza B are the viruses that were not detected by the standard test.
In a second group of kids with unexplained fevers, standard testing found 8 out of 11 viruses; however, the new test detected another seven, according to Business Standard.
More studies are required to validate the accuracy of the ViroCap test. It means that it may be many years before this test is clinically available.
