Researchers have developed a low-cost paper strip test using CRISPR technology to distinguish between different strains of the flu, including influenza A and B, as well as seasonal flu subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. The test can also identify strains that resist antiviral treatment, and with further development, could potentially detect swine and avian flu strains, including H5N1. The results of this research could help improve outbreak response and clinical care by bringing accurate, low-cost, and fast tests to doctors’ offices and labs across the US and in other countries.
The test, known as SHINE, was developed by a team from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Princeton University, and supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SHINE uses CRISPR enzymes to identify specific sequences of viral RNA in samples and can be conducted at room temperature in about 90 minutes. The researchers are working to streamline the process with the goal of returning results in just 15 minutes, which would be a significant advancement over traditional diagnostic approaches such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Using a paper strip readout instead of expensive fluorescence machinery is a major advancement in clinical care and epidemiological surveillance. The test could be used in the field or in clinics rather than hospitals or diagnostic labs with expensive equipment, making it more accessible to a larger population. By being able to identify specific strains or subtypes of influenza, clinicians can make more informed treatment decisions, such as deciding whether to use antivirals like Oseltamivir, which may be effective for only certain strains.
The researchers are also working to adapt SHINE to detect other viruses, such as avian and swine influenza strains. In the future, the assay could potentially be adapted to detect two different viruses with similar symptoms, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The ability to quickly and accurately test for different viruses could help in public health interventions and outbreak monitoring, allowing scientists to strategically collect samples and monitor how the virus is spreading in real-time.
The development of this low-cost paper strip test for flu detection could revolutionize how influenza outbreaks are managed and treated. By bringing accurate and fast testing to doctors’ offices and labs, more patients could find out which type of flu they have and receive the right treatment promptly. This research highlights the potential of CRISPR technology in improving diagnostics and surveillance for infectious diseases, and the researchers are optimistic about the future applications of SHINE in detecting new or evolving viruses. Ultimately, the goal is to create tests that are as simple as rapid antigen tests with the specificity and performance of nucleic acid tests normally done in a laboratory setting, allowing for more efficient and effective management of influenza outbreaks.