ICMR Approves RT-qPCR Kit to Detect Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV; Here’s how it works

This approval for KRIVIDA Trivus comes at a time when the country is experiencing an upsurge in Covid XBB.1.16 variant and influenza.

The RT-qPCR test kit effectively distinguishes influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus, in the shortest time, the company said, as cited by IANS.

The kit has a cycle time of 27 minutes and a time of approximately 50 to 60 minutes for reading the results, which can allow an immediate line of treatment.

Read also : Do you suffer from fever and cough? How do you know its H3N2 or new COVID XBB 1.16 variant

Further emphasizing its benefits, the company said the kit can be used in all available RT-PCR equipment.

All three pathogens have similar initial symptoms, but differ in how the disease progresses, how easily they spread, and how they are treated.

The company said the kit helps identify which pathogen is causing the respiratory illness and helps choose the appropriate treatment, the IANS reported.

India is currently experiencing a spike in covid cases in India with the emergence of new variant XBB.1.16. Apart from this, the country is also witnessing an increase H3N2 case. From Jan. 2 to March 5, 451 cases of H3N2 were reported in the country, according to data shared by the ministry. As of March 17, India recorded a single-day rise of 796 coronavirus infections. Yesterday the Ministry of Health wrote letters to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka noting that some parts of the country had seen an increase in cases. He advised those States to consider the COVID-19 situation at the micro level and maintain the focus on the implementation of the measures necessary for rapid and effective management of the disease. State governments have also started taking precautionary measures to prevent the possible outbreak of virus infections. H3N2 was the dominant subtype followed by H1N1. However, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday that cases resulting from seasonal flu, including H3N2, are expected to decline from the end of March.

H3N2 symptoms

Symptoms of the H3N2 subtype include fever, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and clinical signs of pneumonia. The ICMR reports that among hospitalized SARI patients with H3N2, 92% suffer from fever, 86% from cough and 27% from shortness of breath. In some cases, patients may need oxygen or intensive care.

fever

incessant cough

shortness of breath

wheezing

clinical signs of pneumonia

Symptoms of COVID XBB 1.16

Currently, there is little or no difference between the symptoms of Covid XBB 1.16 and XBB 1.15. Symptoms of this variant include fever, sore throat, cold, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It could also impact your digestive system and respiratory system.