A*STAR institute develops rapid test kit for dengue detection

SINGAPORE — Finding out whether you’ve been infected with dengue may soon be as easy as spitting into a disposable test kit.

The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) at A*STAR has developed a paper-based tool that can detect, from saliva, a key dengue antibody that is present in early-stage secondary infection within 20 minutes.

“The ability to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections makes it a valuable early diagnosis tool that would help to ensure timely treatment and proper care of patients,” said IBN Executive Director Professor Jackie Ying.

A person who has recovered from a first dengue infection may subsequently still be infected by the three remaining dengue serotypes, resulting in a secondary infection. Patients with a secondary infection stand a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a more severe form of dengue fever.

Currently, dengue infection is diagnosed by a blood test. No vaccine or medicine has been developed to treat the illness.

According to the National Environment Agency, dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever are the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world. This disease poses a serious health threat, and is a leading cause of illness and death in tropical and subtropical climates.

Researchers hope the device, which is being further developed for commercialisation, can be made as easy to use as over-the-counter pregnancy or fertility test kits. IBN’s oral test kit may be adapted to detect other infectious diseases. The researchers are also investigating the use of other common fluid samples, such as blood, urine and serum for rapid, high-sensitivity test kits.