A fever panel to detect dengue, chikungunya, and malaria

Problem

Mosquito-borne diseases are rampant in India with an
observed rise in dengue and chikungunya cases between
2015 and 2021. While malaria prevalence has reduced over
the last 20 years, absolute numbers stand high. These
illnesses often present similar symptoms at an early stage,
which can lead to a misdiagnosis or even delayed diagnosis.
Thus, there is an immediate need for a rapid diagnostic test
(RDT) that is real-time, easy-to-use, affordable, user-friendly
and equipment free.

Solution

Addressing these need gaps, Ameliorate developed an accurate, multiplexed RDT for differential detection of dengue, chikungunya and malaria (with malaria falciparum and vivax differentiation). The single test kit uses a single blood sample and can be easily used by minimally trained workforce at primary level. The process eliminates the need of serum/plasma samples, is instantaneous, doesn’t need cold chain facility/ biosafety lab: ensures minimal medical waste generation.

IMPACT

The funding from IHF will enable prospective, multicentric performance and cost-effectiveness evaluation of the RDT, to be made available at a discounted price of INR 200/pc to the public health system for government procurements. This is far less than existing fever panel priced at INR 3000-4000.

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