Researchers have developed a new test that can detect virtually any virus that infects people and animals, including the Ebola virus. Current tests are not sensitive enough to detect low levels of viral bugs or are limited to detecting only those viruses suspected of being responsible for a patient's illness. "With this test, you don't have to know what you're looking for," said senior author Gregory Storch, professor at the Washington University School of Medicine.
"It casts a broad net and can efficiently detect viruses that are present at very low levels," Storch said. The study demonstrates that in patient samples the new test can detect viruses not found by standard testing based on genome sequencing. The new test could be used to detect outbreaks of deadly viruses such as Ebola, Marburg and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as well as more routine viruses, including…
