Shillong, August 20: An international team, led by British researchers, has pioneered a revolutionary blood test capable of swiftly diagnosing and differentiating among 18 infectious or inflammatory diseases, such as group B Streptococcus (GBS), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and tuberculosis.
As per IANS, the innovative test analyzes a single blood sample to identify a distinct gene expression pattern triggered by the body in response to specific illnesses. Unlike existing tests that can take hours, days, or even weeks, this approach yields results within 60 minutes.
Researchers from Imperial College London believe that a diagnostic method based on patients’ gene expression can vastly improve the accuracy of diagnosing childhood illnesses. It could reduce delayed and missed diagnoses, significantly impacting healthcare, particularly in developing regions.
Professor Michael Levin of Imperial’s Department of Infectious Disease highlighted the challenge of making swift treatment decisions when faced with a fever. He emphasized the urgency for improved diagnostics, as timely treatment is crucial to positive patient outcomes.
The study employed a strategy centered on detecting the gene expression pattern in response to infections and inflammatory conditions. By analyzing data from thousands of patients, including over 1,000 children with 18 diseases, the team identified key genes activated in response to various illnesses. Machine learning then pinpointed gene expression patterns corresponding to specific diseases, leading to a panel of 161 genes covering 18 conditions.
The panel’s validity was confirmed in a group of 411 pediatric patients with sepsis or severe infections, where blood analysis captured gene expression. These results were compared to diagnoses made using current clinical standards. The development of this breakthrough blood test could revolutionize healthcare diagnostics and significantly improve patient care.