Scientists in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and US have developed a $1 test for Ebola and Lassa virus

Scientists in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and US have developed a $1 test for Ebola and Lassa virus This diagnostic which has been successfully tested in Nigeria and Sierra Leone will be a game-changer in Africa if effectively deployed Uwagbale Edward-Ekpu Quartz Africa

While countries across the world are battling with the coronavirus pandemic, some African countries, are also battling the outbreaks of deadlier hemorrhagic fever viruses: Lassa virus and Ebola virus.

With the global pandemic draining resources and attention, African countries are facing more challenges controlling outbreaks of these diseases that have been ravaging Africa countries for over 40 years.

This year, Nigeria recorded the highest Lassa fever outbreak in its history with an over 35% increase in cases from the previous year. Along with other West African countries including Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, Nigeria is again approaching another seasonal outbreak starting from December. Meanwhile, last month, the WHO raised an alarm that the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the west of the DR Congo is underfunded and facing logistic challenges.

Just in time, a group of scientists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the US have developed a point-of-care test (done at the time and place of care) for both the Lassa virus and Ebola virus that is accurate, fast, and cheap. The new test was reported to have reduced the cost of testing to less than $1 per sample. The test can be done quickly in any environment, as it requires minimal equipment that can be powered with solar or a small generator.

The test is based on SHERLOCK a new diagnostic that uses CRISPR technology to detect genetic fingerprints that indicate the presence of pathogens in a sample. It uses saliva or urine samples that are heated after collection in a chemical mixture to make the viruses inactive to avoid healthcare workers being infected during a test. This use of saliva or urine instead of blood makes the sample collection faster and sample. ...