Innovative Paper-Based Diagnostic Test Develops to Combat Avian Influenza Threat
In early 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza reached Antarctica’s mainland, leaving Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations as the last regions on Earth free from the H5N1 strain. This alarming spread emphasizes the urgent need for effective surveillance tools against such viral outbreaks.
Purdue University Researchers Make Strides
Researchers at Purdue University have taken a significant step forward by developing a novel, paper-based diagnostic test designed for the rapid detection of avian influenza, a major factor contributing to soaring egg prices. Mohamed Kamel, a postdoctoral research associate at Purdue, highlighted the necessity for effective and economical detection methods in the face of this global health threat.
The newly developed assay offers a practical solution for field settings, particularly in areas lacking advanced laboratory facilities. Kamel and his colleagues published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports.
Versatile and Accessible Testing
Lead author Mohit Verma, an associate professor in both the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, emphasized the versatility of the assay. It can be applied across various species, including livestock such as poultry and dairy, as well as wildlife and humans.
“The test works by using oral or nasal swabs from animals or humans and transferring the samples to the paper-based devices,” Verma explained. This cross-species adaptability could prove essential in tracking and managing the virus.
Impact on Poultry Industry and Egg Prices
The implications of avian influenza on the poultry industry and its contribution to high egg prices cannot be understated. Kamel pointed out that in 2022, outbreaks impacted 67 countries, leading to the loss of approximately 131 million domestic poultry across the globe, with U.S. losses alone totaling around 40 million animals and costing between $2.5 billion to $3 billion.
“Such losses directly reduce the availability of eggs, causing prices to rise due to limited supply,” Kamel noted, also mentioning the stringent measures farmers must implement to protect their flocks, further driving up costs.
Technical Innovation in Diagnostics
The paper-based assay utilizes loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), noted for its simplicity and ease of use. “Unlike traditional lab tests, minimal training is needed, and results can be easily interpreted without sophisticated equipment,” Kamel added.
This LAMP assay is specifically designed to target the H5 hemagglutinin gene of the avian influenza virus, boasting 100% analytical sensitivity and specificity in detected samples. Kamel noted that the system can identify RNA down to 500 copies per reaction and is highly specific to the H5N1 strain without any cross-reactivity with other pathogens.
Future Potential and Next Steps
The research team at Purdue has previously developed similar diagnostic tools for various diseases, including fecal contamination in produce, and is looking to expand the capabilities of this new assay. Future advancements may include multiplex testing to detect various influenza subtypes and other pathogens.
“Given the ongoing threat posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza, the development of such diagnostic tools is critical for both public health and agricultural stability,” Kamel affirmed.
Commercialization and Broader Impact
The technology behind this innovative assay is owned by the Purdue Research Foundation and is exclusively licensed to Krishi, a startup company led by Verma as the chief technology officer. Krishi aims to incorporate the H5N1 test into their newly launched Sherpa™ platform for field-deployable technology.
“The compatibility of this test with technologies for detecting antimicrobial resistance could expedite deployment if interest and support materialize,” Verma noted.
Ongoing Threat and Public Health Risks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently rates the public health risk of H5 bird flu as low, though Kamel highlights that the virus could mutate to increase its transmissibility to humans. “The H5N1 avian influenza virus poses a serious yet manageable risk that requires urgent attention,” he cautioned.
As of March 2025, there have been 70 reported human cases of H5N1 in the United States, resulting in at least one death, with most cases connected to contact with infected animals.
“As the avian influenza continues to affect poultry and presents potential risks to human health, this innovative diagnostic tool may play a pivotal role in combating its spread,” Kamel concluded.
This research received funding from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and was supported in part by a Clinical and Translational Sciences Award from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.
Source: Purdue University
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