Luminex is Supporting USAMRIID in Research Efforts to Control African Ebola Outbreak
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Luminex Corporation has announced that U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Diagnostics Division is working on rapid diagnostics for the Ebola virus using Luminex xMAP® Technology. Luminex's MAGPIX® system was recently deployed to Africa to support research efforts to control the current outbreak.
The recent Ebola outbreak has so far claimed 729 lives across Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone according to the World Health Organization. Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness in humans characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Early diagnosis is critical for proper management of the illness and prevention of spread.
Developed by USAMRIID Diagnostics Division and run on the MAGPIX system, the assays test serum samples for the presence of viral antigens (proteins) as well as antibodies directed at these antigens. Results of the assays provide information about replication of the virus and the immune response of the host, respectively.
In a study conducted in rhesus macaques, Dr. Abbe Ames and colleagues showed that some animals may be able to limit the replication of the virus, and thus have a better chance of survival. Understanding the pathophysiology of the Ebola virus may assist in the development of countermeasures against the disease that could save lives.
"Our open architecture instruments provide researchers a flexible tool for assay development that can advance their research goals," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex. "Understanding the functional progression of a virus is extremely valuable information. Luminex is proud to support researchers, clinicians and biosurveillance professionals and their important work in the global effort to combat infectious diseases."
