Latest news with #respiratorypathogens
Associated Press
09-08-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Anbio Biotechnology Responds to Global Outbreaks with Chikungunya Rapid Test and New 15-Minute Ultra-Fast PCR System
Covering both mosquito-borne diseases and emerging respiratory pathogens, Anbio continues to advance point-of-care diagnostics for timely outbreak detection worldwide. FRANKFURT, Germany, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to recent outbreaks of Chikungunya fever, Anbio Biotechnology has announced the launch of its Chikungunya IgM/IgG Rapid Test, offering clinicians and public health authorities a fast, accessible diagnostic tool at the point of care. As cases continue to rise across tropical and subtropical regions, timely detection and differentiation from other arboviral infections like Dengue and Zika remain critical. The test, based on immunochromatographic technology, enables reliable qualitative detection of Chikungunya-specific antibodies in human serum, plasma, or whole blood. This addition strengthens Anbio's infectious disease diagnostics portfolio and supports public health efforts in responding to emerging outbreaks. In parallel, Anbio is advancing the boundaries of decentralized molecular diagnostics with the launch of its new AP-100 Ultra-Fast PCR system, designed to bring laboratory-grade testing capabilities directly to the point of care. 'Outbreaks demand speed. The AP-100 collapses hours of traditional PCR into minutes, without compromising accuracy,' said Michael Lau, CEO of Anbio Biotechnology. The AP-100 utilizes an advanced microfluidic thermal cycling system combined with high-efficiency enzymatic amplification chemistry, enabling direct processing of swab samples without the need for nucleic acid extraction. Its integrated design streamlines sample-to-result workflows, making it well-suited for deployment in both centralized laboratories and decentralized, point-of-care environments. Key highlights: While initially focused on respiratory infections, the AP-100 is designed as a flexible molecular platform. In line with its global infectious disease strategy, Anbio is expanding the assay portfolio to include tests for tuberculosis (TB) and human papillomavirus (HPV), extending its role from rapid outbreak response to sustained disease management. 'Whether it's vector-borne fevers or respiratory pandemics, we believe diagnostics should move as fast as the threat,' Lau added. With its combination of speed, mobility, and lab-grade precision, Anbio's new-generation POCT PCR system strengthens healthcare capacity in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings, advancing global preparedness for infectious disease threats. About Anbio Biotechnology Anbio Biotechnology is a globally oriented in vitro diagnostics (IVD) company providing a broad range of solutions, including immunofluorescence, dry chemistry, chemiluminescence, molecular diagnostics, rapid testing and veterinary diagnostics. With operations across multiple regions, the company works to enhance the availability of reliable and timely diagnostics, supporting better decision-making in healthcare settings worldwide. For more information about Anbio Biotechnology, follow us for the latest news and updates. View original content: SOURCE Anbio Biotechnology
Medscape
08-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Wildfire-Led Indoor Activity May Raise Flu Transmission Risk
TOPLINE: Researchers found that wildfire-induced deterioration of air quality led to substantial increases in indoor activities, creating a cascade effect that could dramatically increase the spread of respiratory pathogens such as the influenza virus. METHODOLOGY: The 2020 West Coast wildfires highlighted how extreme weather events coupled with deteriorating air quality can influence disease transmission through changes in human behavior, particularly increased indoor activity. Researchers performed a modeling analysis to quantify behavioral changes induced by wildfires and assess their impact on the transmission dynamics of respiratory viruses. During the peak wildfire period, mobile phone data were used to track weekly visits to indoor locations (such as schools, hospitals, and grocery stores) vs outdoor locations (such as parks and cemeteries), comparing counties with an air quality index > 150 (most affected counties) with those with an index < 100 (unaffected counties). Using mathematical simulations, researchers assessed how these behavioral shifts (from outdoor to indoor activities) and indoor mask-wearing would influence the spread of faster and slower spreading viruses. TAKEAWAY: In counties with elevated air quality index from wildfire smoke, sustained increases in indoor activity were reported — 10.8% in Washington, 14.3% in Oregon, with peak increase of 16% in Seattle and 11% in Portland. However, unaffected counties reported no change. Diseases with shorter generation times (influenza and SARS-CoV-2 ) showed a twofold increase in peak incidence in affected vs unaffected areas, attributed to increased indoor activity; this effect declined with longer generation time. Even with 50% population having immunity from past infection or vaccination, wildfire-affected counties showed higher incidence of influenza, suggesting that wildfire-driven behavior changes can still boost disease transmission. The study demonstrated that a modest 10% increase in mask usage notably reduced disease spread; however, substantial protection, required mask compliance rates of around 50%. IN PRACTICE: 'By revealing how behavioral shifts induced by wildfires can elevate disease spread, our study advocates for the inclusion of behavioral responses in public health strategies. As climate change continues to alter our environment, it is crucial for public health interventions to evolve accordingly, equipping us to tackle the multifaceted and interconnected risks of a warming world,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Beatriz Arregui-García, Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar y Sistemas Complejos, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It was published online on June 18, 2025, in PLOS Climate. LIMITATIONS: This study focused on a single wildfire season in the US, possibly limiting the generalizability of the findings. The analysis relied only on the ratio of indoor-to-outdoor activities and did not account for indoor activities at home. The study did not incorporate public health data on infection rates, limiting a direct correlation between behavioral changes and disease outcomes. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the Fritz Family Fellowship. One author disclosed receiving salary support from the fellowship program. Other authors declared having no competing interests. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
