Country has new test for diagnosing spotted fever – 07/04/2023 – Health

Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved this Monday (3) a new product for diagnosing spotted fever.

IBMP Biomol Rickettsiosis is made by IBMP (Institute of Molecular Biology of Paraná). This is the second product for diagnosing the disease registered in Brazil.

According to the regulatory agency, the product uses the PCR technique, which allows the detection of genetic material from bacteria of the genus Rickettsia rickettsiitransmitted by the bite of the star tick.

In Anvisa’s view, as most diseases transmitted by ticks have similar symptoms, the diagnosis can be problematic. Thus, real-time PCR assays represent an important diagnostic tool for the detection of the causative agent.

“The test is qualitative, that is, it indicates the presence or absence of each molecular target in the biological sample. The test must be performed by health professionals with specific knowledge in molecular biology, using total DNA extracted from blood samples as a sample. , serum or clot from patients” said Anvisa, in a note.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by ticks infected by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsiipresent mainly in the star tick, and does not pass from person to person.