None of the rapid tests currently available is capable of differentiating the four dengue virus serotypes.
If the kit is used for diagnosing dengue cases, it would not cross react with any of the other Flaviviruses (Zika, Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus).
The test was developed by using Monoclonal antibody produced in Miceagainst specific flavivirus nonstructural 1 (NS1) proteins produced by Zika and dengue viruses.
More About The Low-Cost Rapid Test
It resembles a pregnancy test strip.
It contains antibodies that react to the presence of Zika or dengue virus, and gold nano-particles that respond to the antibody reaction.
The test proved 80 per cent to 90 per cent accurate in detecting Zika and avoiding false positives.
The low-cost rapid test will also differentiate the four serotypes of dengue viruses.
Zika and Dengue
Zika and dengue both belong to the same viral family, which are called flaviviruses.
They are spread by the same mosquito (Aedes mosquito).
Infection by one serotype supposedly produces lifelong immunity only against that specific serotype; it does not protect against other serotypes. Infection for the second time by a different dengue serotype leads to increased infectivity and more severe clinical manifestations such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue-shock syndrome.
This kind of aggravation of the infection when infected for the second time by a different dengue virus serotype is called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE).
