One step assay for rapid and selective diagnosis of arboviruses

Unmet Need: Reliable and selective diagnosis of arbovirus infection

Current diagnosis of arbovirus infections is based on the presence of symptoms, which are difficult to distinguish from those of other types of arbovirus infections. While diagnostic assays currently exist, their cross-reactivity renders differential diagnosis impossible. To circumvent this, a series of singleplex qPCR assays for individual arbovirus infections (Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile, and others) can be performed and the results compared. However, performing individual assays is costly and time-intensive. As such, there is a need for a rapid, selective method to reliably diagnose different types of arbovirus infections.

The Technology: Rapid diagnostic assay that distinguishes Zika from other arboviruses

This technology is a multiplex qPCR assay that can be performed on serum or urine, enabling concurrent evaluation of Zika, Dengue (serotype 1-4), Chikungunya, and West Nile viral infection. Unlike singleplex qPCR assays, this technology can readily distinguish between different types of infection. Additionally, this technology is compatible with multiple qPCR systems, including the BD Max, Bio-Rad, and ABI platforms.

This technology can detect fewer than 50 copies of viral DNA/RNA in a sample control and has been implemented on multiple qPCR platforms. This test, known as the CII-ArboViroPlex rRT-PCR assay, is currently approved for use under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Applications:

Clinical diagnosis of specific arbovirus infections
Discovery of early-stage arbovirus outbreaks
Surveillance of ongoing arbovirus outbreaks
Research tool for post-outbreak evaluation of patient samples

Advantages:

Reliable, selective diagnosis of arbovirus infections
Rapid diagnosis of arbovirus infections
Tests for multiple viruses in a single assay
Compatible with existing qPCR platforms

Lead Inventor:

W. Ian Lipkin, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued (US10,829,823)

Related Publications:

Mishra N, Ng J, Rakeman JL, Perry MJ, Centurioni DA, Dean AB, Price A, Thakkar R, Angus AG, Williamson P, Delwart E, Carrington C, Sahadeo N, Che X, Briese T, Tokarz R, Lipkin WI. “One-step pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of zika, dengue, chikungunya, West nile viruses and a human housekeeping gene” J Clin Virol. 2019 Nov; 120: 44-50.

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU16221
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman