Low-Cost Simple Test Rapidly Detects H5N1 Infection

Antigen detection tests could be used for preliminary investigation of avian flu (H5N1) outbreaks as low-cost, simple flock tests in sick and dead birds for the rapid detection of H5N1 infection.

In the March 2007 issue of the Journal of Avian Diseases, investigators from Murdoch University (Perth, Australia) reported the results of their evaluation of five influenza antigen detection tests. The tests included two rapid chromatographic immunoassays, an H5 HA antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an influenza A antigen detection ELISA, and a H5 rapid immunoblot assay. Avian influenza H5N1 virus positive swab samples were used to estimate sensitivity of the diagnostic tests. This included H5N1-infected swabs from various bird species such as chickens, various other land-based poultry, ducks and geese, and various wild birds.

One of the rapid chromatographic tests was developed by Rockeby Biomed, Ltd. (Shaw House, Singapore), a biotechnology company specializing in research, development, and marketing of rapid testing technologies for infectious disease in humans and animals. The company's core specialization is the development of rapid testing diagnostics.

Rockeby presented research on its proprietary rapid bird flu test, which was prepared by Western Australia's Murdoch University School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, at the Second International Anti-Avian Influenza Conference in Paris at the Pasteur Institute on May 31 and June 1, 2007.


Related Links:
Murdoch University
Rockeby Biomed Limited