Yale Scientists Develop Simple Test to Identify Viral Infections
Upper respiratory illnesses are common, yet there is no rapid diagnostic test to confirm more than a handful of common viruses as the cause. To identify biomarkers, or indicators, of viral infection applicable to many different respiratory viruses, researchers at the Yale University have developed a new test.
The test measures Ribonucleic acid or protein molecules in human cells can accurately identify viral infection as a cause of respiratory symptoms. Performed with a simple nasal swab, the test might be a quicker, cheaper way to diagnose respiratory viral illnesses than current methods, said study author Dr. Ellen Foxman, professor of laboratory medicine at the Yale School of Medicine.
When developed into a measure that can be used in a physician’s office, it will contribute significantly to the treatment of very sick patients and young children, and will help prevent the misuse of antibiotics.
“It’s a simpler test and more cost-effective for looking at viral infection,” said author Ellen Foxman.
“Instead of looking for individual viruses, our test asks the question: ‘Is the body fighting a virus?’” said Foxman. “We found we can answer that question very well.”
In the process of developing this
test, the team identified three RNAs, and two proteins, that are “turned on” by a virus. They then investigated whether measuring the expression of the genes, or levels of the proteins, could predict the presence of a viral infection.The researchers found that the RNAs and proteins were both accurate predictors of respiratory viral infection, confirmed by subsequent testing for common viruses. The RNAs predicted viral infection with 97% accuracy. This method also picked up viruses that are not identified by many current lab tests, they said.
The research team’s goal is to create a gene- or protein-based test available for general use within one to five years, Foxman said. Also, a major upside of the test is that it could help limit the unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics. Although antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, they are often incorrectly prescribed for viral infections.
“There’s a big problem with antibiotic overuse,” Foxman said. “Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can be harmful, especially for kids.”
The team has a patent pending on the test, and the eventual goal is for it to become a widely used diagnostic tool.
