Superior diagnostic package developed for detecting extremely pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus

The Diagnostics Improvement Hub (DxD Hub), a nationwide platform hosted by the Company for Science, Know-how and Analysis (A*STAR), Singapore, in collaboration with the Nationwide Institute for Environmental Research (NIES), Japan, and the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR BII), has efficiently developed Steadfast, a sophisticated diagnostic package for detecting the extremely pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). This improvement marks a major breakthrough in avian influenza monitoring, reinforcing world efforts in pandemic preparedness.

Steadfast not solely affords speedy detection of the extremely pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) but additionally distinguishes between extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains, each of that are essential for efficient management measures. Not like standard sequencing strategies, which take two to 3 days for outcomes, this package can detect HPAI H5 strains (H5N1, H5N5, H5N6) in as little as three hours. This swift detection is essential for monitoring migratory birds, offering well timed warnings, and reinforcing biosecurity at poultry amenities.

HPAI strains, that are extremely deadly and unfold all through the physique of poultry, require fast culling of affected flocks to stop extreme outbreaks. In distinction, LPAI strains are restricted to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract and trigger delicate signs, permitting for much less drastic measures, comparable to enhanced monitoring and biosecurity. By enabling sooner identification of the particular pressure, the package permits for extra exact and well timed responses, considerably decreasing transmission dangers and serving to to stop doubtlessly devastating epidemics.

The extremely pathogenic H5N1 AIV is broadly unfold by birds, particularly poultry, via direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or contaminated droppings. Migratory wild birds typically carry the virus over lengthy distances, transmitting it to home poultry populations the place it might set off extreme outbreaks. As soon as contaminated, poultry act as reservoirs, doubtlessly spreading the virus to different birds and, in uncommon circumstances, to people who’ve shut contact. Regardless of restricted human transmission, H5N1 stays a essential world concern resulting from its excessive mortality price and potential for mutation.

DxD Hub performed a key position within the improvement of the multiplex assay prototype take a look at kits, together with the design and improvement of avian medical testing protocols, information evaluation, and assay optimisation. Validated by NIES, Japan’s major laboratory for avian influenza testing in wild birds, the package precisely labeled avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds in Japan between 2022 and 2024 as both excessive or low pathogenicity. A*STAR BII supplied bioinformatics experience in virus sequence, construction, and evolution evaluation, supporting the combination of PCR diagnostics as a well timed, cost-effective complement to genomic surveillance. This enabled extra environment friendly detection and monitoring of ongoing H5N1 outbreaks. This shut collaboration between DxD Hub, NIES and A*STAR BII was instrumental in refining the diagnostic package’s performance and making certain its effectiveness in detecting each HPAI and LPAI strains in real-world medical and discipline purposes. This underscores the success of joint efforts to boost detection and management measures for avian influenza, serving to to curb the virus’s unfold and safeguard public well being.

“DxD Hub is happy to have collaborated with world ecosystem companions like NIES and A*STAR BII to develop the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus diagnostic take a look at package. This achievement displays our shared dedication to enhancing zoonotic ailments surveillance and pandemic preparedness,” mentioned Dr Weng Ruifen, Chief Govt Officer of DxD Hub.

“Extremely pathogenic avian influenza virus has triggered mass mortality in chickens and wild birds not solely in Japan however worldwide. Not too long ago, infections have additionally been confirmed in seals, cats, cattle, and even from cattle to people, drawing consideration as a possible subsequent pandemic virus. Such occasions spotlight the virus’s speedy mutation, emphasising the significance of creating an efficient surveillance system and creating sooner detection strategies that may promptly adapt to virus mutation to stop the unfold of an infection. The package developed in our joint venture meets this demand, and its widespread use is predicted to alleviate public nervousness and permit for a extra versatile response to the unfold of an infection,” mentioned Dr ONUMA Manabu, Head of the NIES Biodiversity Useful resource Conservation Workplace.

A*STAR BII is happy to be a part of this joint effort and to assist the event of this superior AIV diagnostic package by lending our experience in virus bioinformatics. Viral genomes evolve extraordinarily rapidly and sometimes quietly, making pace and accuracy -; via extra discerning surveillance and speedy detection -; essential for holding potential infectious ailments outbreaks and minimizing zoonotic spillovers. With this package, we will higher safeguard meals safety, public well being and financial stability in Singapore and all over the world.”

Dr. Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Govt Director of A*STAR BII