What's worse than malaria? Malaria with a syphilis shooter. But seriously--a Canadian company has just introduced several "rapid tests" that can instantly detect various combinations of tropical and sexually transmitted diseases.
(Credit:
MedMira)
MedMira this week launched its expanded line of Multiplo rapid tests at the U.S. military's Advanced Technology Applications for Casualty Combat Care Conference in St. Pete's Beach, Fla.
The Multiplo tests will be used to diagnose conditions such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria and dengue fever in various combinations. This combo feature enhanced by, in some cases, instant results, is an industry first, according to the Halifax, Nova Scotia-based developer and manufacturer.
The Multiplo tests use a patented rapid flow-through technology that relies on highly specific antigen-antibody reactions to detect specific disease biomarkers, according to the company literature (PDF).
The procedure calls for adding a specimen to the test cartridge, where it flows through a special membrane coated with disease-specific antigens or antibodies that captures the corresponding biomarker in the specimen.
If the specimen contains the target antibodies or antigens, the results can be view and interpreted immediately, according to MedMira.
The tests are unique in that they can detect multiple diseases using a single cartridge, the company claims. "Our Multiplo line of rapid tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C use the platform's advanced capabilities to deliver three test results using one test cartridge and one drop of specimen."
Instant results for HIV and dengue? Avoid the rush, book your tropical vacation now.
Aedes aegypti
(Credit: CDC)The world may be gaining ground in its war against the mosquito, specifically Aedes aegypti- the planet's main vector for dengue-thanks to a new trap developed by the US Army.
The Tiger Trap, created and marketed under license by Spring Star, Inc. exploits the Aedes' "irrepressible urge" to lay their eggs mainly on the sides of water filled containers. This characteristic allows them to be second guessed and lured into contact with a tiny dose (1 millionth of a kilogram) of lethal insecticide. Not only is this an improvement over the conventional method of spraying insecticide semi-randomly and hoping the insect flies through it; it's also cheaper and more environmentally friendly, according to Spring Star.
"The result is a safe, inexpensive, effective device that targets, with minimal insecticide or environmental impact, the disease-carrying female before she can bite another person and transmit disease," according to a company statement.
Dengue, also known and forever remembered as "break-bone fever" by those who have survived it, is a severe, viral, flu-like illness that can range from a nonspecific viral syndrome to a severe and fatal hemorrhagic fever. Up to 50 million people are infected annually, with 15-20,000 dying.
The patented method was developed jointly by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and the Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. The resulting prototype has already been tested in numerous, well-documented field trials in Brazil, Peru, Bangladesh and Thailand, according to the Woodinville, WA based company.
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