Enabling the Rapid Detection of Viruses in the Field

In recent years, scientists have used nanopore technologies to develop a gene sequencing technique that can be used in simple mobile laboratories. This tool can now be used to develop an assay that can detect viruses like Ebola and Zika in the field, even in isolated areas with little or no access to typical laboratories. 

"The technology is characterized by the production of long nucleotide sequences, which makes it possible to sequence the entire viral genome,” explained Philippe Roumagnac, a virologist with CIRAD. "Using a diseased yam plant, it took us just a few hours to sequence the entire genome of two single-strand RNA viruses, a macluravirus, and a potyvirus,” added Denis Filloux.

Source: French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)