UNICAMP to rapid test for Zika virus from next week
From next week, the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) will receive samples and rapid test for Zika infection. In an interview to Agência Brasil, Dr. Clarice Arns, professor of the Institute of Biology and coordinator of the research network on Zika virus [task-force formed by laboratories and three universities in São Paulo] said on Wednesday (Feb. 10) that the test result may be given in about five to six hours, but it only detects the virus.
"By this test, we will detect if the virus is active or if it is in the person's body. One can only detect, or has higher chances to detect it, when the patient is in the acute phase of the disease, or when they exhibit clinical signs or symptoms. The doctor will then examine and send us the samples. "
Samples are collected from the patient's saliva, blood or urine, and the test can also detect chikungunya and dengue, in addition to Zika virus. The UNICAMP Clinical Hospital will be one of the agencies responsible for the triage and will submit the samples to be analyzed by UNICAMP researchers.
For the coordinator, this test's advantage is that "it is specific and rapid." "Imagine a pregnant woman showing symptoms, and having to know whether they were infected by zika. We'll have to test it," she said.
Dr. Arns also said it is also important, in epidemiological terms, that "Brazil understands the situation and only with these data in hand, authorities will take a clear position, drawing on more funds to research or the disease's diagnosis," she added.
Zika Network
Created at the end of 2015, the task-force or Zika Network, as it has been called, brings together dozens of laboratories in São Paulo state, to research the virus structure. The three universities in São Paulo—UNICAMP, University of São Paulo (USP) and the São Paulo State University (UNESP)—participate in a joint research effort. The Network is coordinated by Professor Paolo Zanotto, from the USP Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
For Dr. Arns, it was essential to create the network in order to find a solution to the Zika virus problem in the country. According to her, the issue of microcephaly, which may be linked to the virus, has touched everyone. "Not long ago, I was not working with this virus and today we are all prepared [to study it]. Our graduate students are halting their works to join this task-force," she said.
According to the researcher, the tests for detecting zika is not exclusively from Unicamp. Several universities and laboratories across the country are already doing tests to detect zika. "It is not only being done here. It is being done at Fiocruz, USP, UNESP, Butantan Institute, Evandro Chagas Institute, among others. "
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: UNICAMP to rapid test for Zika virus from next week
