Detecting diseases caused by external parasites
Spanish experts designed a method for rapid detection of diseases caused by biting lice, ticks and fleas.
Image: Christine McIntoshLas disease transmitted by tick bites is relatively common in our geography, especially in rural areas or among dog owners. Every year they come to diagnose cases of spotted fever or Lyme disease. Now a group of Spanish researchers has patented a method for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial diseases transmitted by the bites of small arthropods common.
Disease Detection
Researchers at the National Microbiology Center (CNM) have received the award for best evident in the V Awards Madrid, by creating a method for detecting bacterial species through DNA analysis, which allows a quick diagnosis diseases transmitted by biting lice, ticks and fleas. Pedro Anda, Laboratory of Spirochetes, CNM Special Pathogens and lead investigator, said that the bacteria transmitted by the bites of small arthropods “produce very significant health problems and their combined impact is relatively high.”
The detection kit allows the identification of several diseases caused by more than 50 bacterial species grouped in seven specific genres ( “Anaplasma,” “Borrelia” “Bartonella” “Coxiella”, “Arliqueia” “Francisella” and “Rickettsiav) . These bacteria are associated with diseases such as spotted fever or Lyme disease. This method facilitates the detection and classification, factors of great importance to find preventive solutions.
Also, the kit can establish protocols that allow rapid forestall the emergence of cases because, within hours of infection, conclusive results are available that allow early treatment of disease and thus avoid complications and subsequent sequels. In addition, the new system identifies pathogens based on geographic region, so that you can set action plans and prevention to avoid the appearance of new affected.