Diagnostics: first test for novel coronavirus developed
translated by Corona Investigative
21.01.2020
A team from the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has developed a detection method for the coronavirus currently circulating in China. The WHO has now published the test protocol as the first diagnostic guide to date. Suspected cases can now be quickly examined for the virus.
The corona virus, which occurred in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan and caused severe pneumonia, can now be detected in the laboratory.
The research group led by Prof. Christian Drosten, Director of the Institute of Virology at the Campus Charité Mitte, has developed and made available the world's first diagnostic test as part of its work at DZIF. The WHO has published the test protocol online as the first guideline for laboratories. Currently, an international consortium is conducting an introductory trial of the test.
"I assume that the broad availability of the diagnostic test will now help to clarify suspect cases beyond doubt and to determine whether human-to-human transmission of the new virus is possible within a short period of time," explains Prof. Christian Drosten. "This is an important step towards combating the new virus."
Under the direction of Prof. Drosten, scientists have already been able to develop novel Zika virus tests and the standard test used worldwide for detecting the MERS pathogen ("Middle East Respiratory Syndrome"). In 2003, the BIH professor co-discovered the SARS pathogen ("Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome") and also provided the first diagnostic test for this pandemic virus. As part of the DZIF working group "Virus Detection and Pandemic Prevention", scientists at the Charité will continue to prepare for newly emerging viruses in the coming years.
MEDICA.de; Source: German Centre for Infection Research
Translated Version - Original here
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