A bacteriological throat swab that can be done at home to diagnose influenza may soon be emerging. It would allow you to take the necessary antivirals quickly and avoid spreading the disease during its incubation period.
Professor Suri Iyer of Georgia State University (Atlanta) explained “ that this kind of quick and inexpensive diagnosis is similar to quick throat swabs for strep throat or pregnancy tests. It is especially important for influenza, as this widespread disease causes an average of 36,000 deaths per year in the United States. “.
” Just going to work, to the doctor or to the hospital to be diagnosed is counterproductive during a major influenza epidemic. “, explained Professor Suri Iyer.”These unnecessary trips increase the risk of the disease spreading“.
This test allows a better effectiveness of antivirals
This test is also important because antiviral drugs can alleviate symptoms of the disease and allow people to recover faster and return to their school, work, and family activities. But to be more effective, the drugs should be taken within two days after the first symptoms appear.
Other tests already exist, but they are expensive and uncertain. This is because while they can produce results in about 15 minutes, sometimes they are wrong. The American medical prevention centers also encourage doctors to confirm the results of these tests within 3 to 10 days. But waiting that long for confirmation hampers the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.
Prof Suri Iyer and Prof Weiss used carbohydrates to detect the two major antigens, influenza virus hemagglutinin and neuraminidase for the specific strain of influenza virus. This test can also help choose the most effective drug for treatment.
This test was presented by American scientists at the 246th Annual Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
