Brazilian Scientist to Create Unique Kit for Detecting Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi

By Richard Mann, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Rosane Silva, associate professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and head of the Firmino Torres de Castro Macromolecular Metabolism Laboratory, is coordinating a team for the creation of a single kit to detect viruses, bacteria and fungi.

She says research is well underway and the product may be available within 24 months. Currently, in order to detect the cause of infection, available kits are specific to a single micro-organism. “This kit will have numerous advantages,” she explains.

“First of all, the most important thing is its scope. It identifies the presence of different pathogens at the same time. As it is possible to identify which viruses or bacteria are present, valuable time is gained.”

She adds: “It can also detect whether these pathogens have developed any resistance to medication. In addition, it is only necessary to collect a fraction of the patient’s blood, which is equivalent to one-tenth of what is normally needed.”

The product being developed by scientists will assist patients in delicate situations and doctors will have results within 24 to 72 hours and can initiate therapy promptly – reducing hospitalization time and complication risk.

Developed in a Brazilian university, this kit meets our needs with precision: the team has considered the spectrum of the most common pathogens in the country.

As the kit will still need to undergo several validations and Anvisa’s approval, it is expected that it will be available within two years.