Researchers at Near East University have developed an innovative dual PCR diagnostic kit capable of detecting both Chickenpox and Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) from the same sample. This new diagnostic tool addresses the challenge posed by the similar symptoms exhibited by both diseases, helping healthcare professionals make faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Mpox has emerged as a significant global health threat, spreading across various continents and prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a “global emergency” last month. Symptoms of Mpox include headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, weakness, and skin rash with lesions—symptoms that closely resemble those of Chickenpox, complicating the diagnostic process.

The dual PCR diagnostic kit, officially named the VZV-Mpox Dual Screening Kit, was developed by Dr. Gülten Tuncel and Dr. Gökçe Akan from the Near East University DESAM Research Institute Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory. This cutting-edge kit allows for the simultaneous detection of both viruses from a single patient sample, streamlining clinical workflows and ensuring early and precise diagnosis.

By improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, the dual PCR kit will enable doctors to initiate appropriate treatments faster, leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, it will enhance the diagnostic capabilities of healthcare institutions and laboratories, playing a crucial role in safeguarding public health against these infectious diseases.

This breakthrough represents a significant contribution to the fight against Mpox and Chickenpox, ensuring quicker response times in clinical settings.

 

More Information: https://neu.edu.tr/near-east-university-has-developed-a-dual-pcr-diagnostic-kit-that-detects-chickenpox-and-mpox-which-have-similar-symptoms-from-the-same-sample/?lang=en