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Advances in Brucellosis Diagnosis

Advances in Brucellosis Diagnosis
Advances in Brucellosis Diagnosis

Brucellosis can now be diagnosed faster and easier, thanks to the electrochemical geno-sensor based on nanomaterials developed by Dr. Hossein Heli, a researcher and faculty member at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Funded by Iran's National Science Foundation, the geno-sensor was developed to detect different strains of brucellosis to help diagnose the bacteria early,  which can expedite the treatment process by months, Mehr News Agency reported.

To produce the geno-sensor, an oligonucleotide probe based on shared and specific genome sequences of brucella strains was developed, a nanostructure of gold was synthesized at the surface by an electro deposition method and the performance of the geno-sensor was studied by the process of hybridization in different DNA densities.

The geno-sensor’s performance in cultured and human samples demonstrated a major rise in sensitivity due to the usage of nanotechnology making it a more reliable, easier, faster and less expensive instrument for the diagnosis of brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious infectious disease of animals that can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by ingestion of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat from infected animals or close contact with their secretions and also by direct contact or inhalation of aerosols.

Symptoms include profuse sweating and joint and muscle pain. Brucellosis has been recognized in animals and humans since the 20th century. The duration of the disease can vary from a few weeks to months or even years.

The disease is an old one known by various names, including Mediterranean fever, Malta fever, gastric remittent fever and undulant fever.

Humans are accidental hosts, but brucellosis continues to be a major public health concern and is the most common infections, causing more than 500,000 infections annually worldwide.

 

Financialtribune.com