One of the big problems with Ebola is that its symptoms are very similar to those of other diseases. A new test developed by researchers from the University of Nagasaki and the Eikin company promises to detect Ebola in just half an hour, which could radically change the strategy in order to slow down its global advance.
Until now, the safest and fastest way for doctors to detect the deadly Ebola was molecular RT-PCR tests, which require specific equipment, electrical current and also their results arrive 24 hours later. Now, this new detection method, according to the Nikkei Asian Review newspaper, could improve the diagnosis more than remarkably.
As they explain, the new developed system uses a special substance that amplifies the specific genes of the Ebola virus .
To achieve this, scientists must first detoxify the blood to prevent infection. The RNA is then extracted from the viruses present in the sample and said RNA is used to synthesize DNA. This DNA is mixed with various substances that are subsequently heated to 60 – 65 ºC. If it contains traces of Ebola, after 30 minutes, the liquid becomes cloudy, obtaining a visual confirmation of the contagion .
In the words of Jiro Yasuda, one of the researchers quoted by the Japanese media, " the method can probably be used in new types of the Ebola virus ."
