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Scientists have developed a portable, low cost mobile phone and nanotechnology diagnostic tool that can detect HIV and monitor its management in resource-constrained areas.
The management of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV), a disease that paralyzes the immune system by attacking healthy cells, remains a major global health problem in developing countries lacking infrastructure and professionals qualified health.
"Early detection of HIV is essential to prevent progression and transmission of the disease. It requires long-term supervision, which can be a burden for families who have to go to a clinic or hospital, "said Hadi Shafiee of Brigham Hospital and Women's Hospital States. United.
"This fast and economical cell phone system represents a new method of detecting acute infections, which would reduce the risk of virus transmission and could also be used to detect early failure of treatment," said Shafiee.
Traditional HIV viral surveillance methods are expensive and require the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), according to the study published in Nature Communications.
Shafiee and her colleagues have developed a simple, affordable, HIV testing and control tool for people in developing countries with less access to medical care.
Using nanotechnology, a microchip, a mobile phone and a 3D printed phone accessory, the researchers created a platform capable of detecting nucleic acid RNA from the virus from a single drop of blood.
The device detects amplified HIV nucleic acids through telephone monitoring of the movement of DNA-generated beads without the use of bulky or expensive equipment.
The accuracy of the detection was evaluated for its specificity and sensitivity.
The researchers found that the platform enabled the detection of HIV with a specificity of 99.1% and a sensitivity of 94.6% to a clinically relevant threshold value of 1000 virus particles / milliliter, with results of less than an hour.
The total cost of the microchip hardware, phone connection and reagents was less than $ 5 per test, the researchers said.
"Health workers in developing countries could easily use these devices when they travel for HIV testing and surveillance. Because the test is so fast, critical decisions regarding the next medical step could be taken right here, "said Shafiee.
"This would eliminate the burden of clinic visits and provide individuals with a more effective way to manage their HIV," said Shafiee.
"We could use this same technology as a quick and cost-effective diagnostic tool for other viruses and bacteria," said Mohamed Shehata Draz of Brigham and Women's Hospital.
"This platform could help a lot of people around the world," said Draz.
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First published: November 12, 2018 14:57 IST
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