Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created an affordable, rapid and accurate test for influenza using “coronulum-flu”, a virus that infects coronaviruses and flu viruses.

The breakthrough could help healthcare professionals diagnose flu more quickly and effectively, potentially saving lives during flu season.

What is the coronulum-flu virus?

Coronulum-flu is a hybrid virus created in the laboratory by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The virus is made up of a coronavirus and a flu virus, which together create a highly contagious respiratory illness.

How does the test work?

The coronulum-flu-based influenza test works by detecting the presence of the influenza virus in a sample of mucus or saliva. Healthcare professionals take a sample using a swab and test it against the virus.

If the virus is present, the test will return a positive result.

Why is this important?

Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

Rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, as antiviral medication is most effective when given within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

What are the benefits of this test?

Currently, the most common methods of diagnosing influenza involve a laboratory test that can take several days to produce results or a rapid test that is less accurate.

The coronulum-flu-based influenza test is both accurate and rapid, providing results within hours rather than days. It is also much more affordable than existing tests, making it accessible to healthcare professionals in even the most remote areas.

How was the test developed?

The researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst developed the test by inserting a small section of the influenza virus into the genome of coronulum, a virus that infects coronaviruses.

The newly created virus, coronulum-flu, was then tested against samples of the influenza virus to determine its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool.

What are the limitations of the test?

While the coronulum-flu-based influenza test is highly accurate and rapid, it currently only detects the presence of influenza A and B viruses. It does not detect other strains of the flu or other respiratory illnesses.

However, the researchers are working to expand the test to include other viruses in the future.

Conclusion

The development of the coronulum-flu-based influenza test is a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of flu.

Its accuracy, speed, and affordability make it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, particularly in areas with limited resources. The test has the potential to save lives during flu season by enabling earlier treatment with antiviral medication.