New RT-qPCR Kit Detects Influenza, COVID-19

H3N2 Influenza: The newly developed RT-qPCR Kit to identify influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory virus has got approval from ICMR.

The RT-qPCR test kit developed by KRIYA Medical technologies has been approved by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The RT-qPCR test kit was found to detect infuenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The approval of the kit marketed as KRIVIDA Trivus comes even as several parts of the country are facing a significant rise in these viruses.

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The three pathogens have similar initial symptoms but differ in how the illness progresses, how easily they spread, and how they are treated.

The kit can also be used in all the available RT-PCR equipment.

RT-qPCR Test Kit for Influenza Diagnosis

The ICMR evaluated the kit at National Institute of Virology, Pune, using 225 known positive samples and 85 negative samples. The overall sensitivity of KRIVIDA Trivus is 99.11 per cent and specificity is 100 per cent.

"Over the last several weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of H3N2 cases, as well as a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections in the country. We need a test that can clearly differentiate between these infections and help doctors create the right treatment plan," said Anu Moturi, CEO and Founder, KRIYA Medical Technologies, in a statement.

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"Our product is designed to detect presence or absence of all three pathogens. The conventional RT-PCR kits which detect just the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 should be replaced by KRIVIDA Trivus," added Dr. Shanmuga Priya, Head Of Research and Development, at the company.

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections. RSV infection is usually mild and self-limiting but symptoms may be severe in young children, the elderly and those with a weak immunity.

"Our kit provides a more meaningful report about not just the presence or absence of these infections but also about coinfections, as these are often severe and they require a syndromic approach in management," Priya said.

The test kit will be produced at KRIYA's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Oragadam in Chennai. The test is priced competitively, and it will soon be commercially available across the country, the company said.

Source-IANS

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