A Zika virus urine test and portable saliva test have been found to be highly effective in diagnosing patients quickly. The urine test proved to be more effective than the standard blood test, as particles of the virus remain for longer periods of time and in higher concentrations in urine than blood.
A urine test is also much easier to conduct and requires fewer resources, compared to drawing blood samples.
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The researchers tested 66 persons in Florida with the blood and urine tests. Nearly twice as many urine tests correctly detected Zika virus, compared to the blood samples.
The urine test was also able to detect Zika two weeks after the symptom onset, whereas the blood test only works for up to one week. This is particularly useful for testing in areas where getting blood work done may not be possible within a week’s time.
The researchers are not suggesting that the blood samples be scrapped completely, but rather they recommend the use of both methods for diagnosis.
Cost-effective Zika saliva test available for $2
Saliva tests, costing as low as $2 each, will be available to test for Zika in the wake of the upcoming Olympic Games in Brazil. The saliva test is based on a recently uncovered stretch of genetic code that is nearly identical for various strains of Zika virus. The test checks the saliva sample for the specific sequence to determine whether a person has Zika. The results are ready within 40 minutes – a dye in the system turns blue indicating Zika virus infection.
The test has also shown to be successful even when low levels of the genetic sequence are present, which makes it highly effective, low-cost test.
Mosquito bite prevention
Although the new urine and saliva tests have shown to be effective in Zika virus detection, avoiding mosquito bites as much as possible is still the most recommended course of action.
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center suggests that you protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by following “the 3 Ds”:
- Drain water from garbage cans, tarps on outdoor furniture, coolers, planters, pet bowls, and other sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Check for standing water after every rain and every time you water the lawn or garden. Wipe out birdbaths every few days.
- Dress to ward off mosquitoes. Wear clothing that is loose, light-colored, and has long sleeves and covers your legs. Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Defend against mosquitoes using a number of methods. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so consider using a fan when sitting outside. Plant marigolds or citronella, which are considered natural mosquito repellents. Instead of regular light bulbs, use LED lights for outdoors because they do not attract mosquitoes.
Related Reading:
Zika virus outbreak 2016: 1.65 million childbearing women could become infected by Zika virus
An estimated 1.65 million childbearing women could become infected with Zika virus, according to the latest research. The researchers in the U.S. and the U.K. found that across Latin America and the Caribbean over 90 million infections could result from the initial stages of the spread of Zika. Continue reading…
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Scientists have identified Zika virus antibodies which may aid in drug and vaccine development. The experiments on mice helped spot six Zika virus antibodies, four of which neutralize African, American, and Asian strains. Continue reading…
Sources:
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/zika-virus-outbreak/urine-test-catches-zika-infection-better-cdc-says-n571371
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-06/acs-ptr062916.php
//www.belmarrahealth.com/threat-of-zika-virus-prompts-extra-mosquito-protection-during-summer/
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
