DNA-FluHunter - The all-rounder weapon against bird flu virus

First commercial DNA-Test worldwide to detect all pathogenic strains of bird flu H5, N1, H9 and H7.

Duisburg, July 31 2007: Genekam Biotechnology AG has now developed the first commercial DNA-Test of the world to detect all dangerous types of bird flu H5, N1, H7, H9. These stocks lead to disease and death in both human and animals. Especially H5 and H7 are aggressive to birds, leading to mortality and economical losses in a short time.

DNA-tests have the particular feature to be most reliable, accurate and fast in performance. Since 1999 DNA tests have been used to screen all transfusion blood samples in Germany for HIV, HBV and HCV, as there were reports of infections amongst human getting the blood transfusions tested through serological tests.

The similar problem occurs the nowadays with bird flu testing, as serological tests like ELISA and other (so called rapid) tests are being performed to detect bird flu viruses in many countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Greece etc). But serological tests have the major problem to be imprecise and are leading to cross reactions , therefore many times false alarm could occur about the presence of bird flu virus. Although there are problems with serological tests, but still many Governments are using these tests to fight a very clever enemy. Such tests can be of little help to control the outbreaks of bird flu. Against the serological tests, the DNA tests are most accurate and reliable. They are based on polymerase chain reaction technology. Such DNA are being used in reference laboratories like WHO laboratories for bird flu to reconfirm the outbreaks of different diseases along with the genesequencing. This is what Genekam is offering the world. Therefore today such laboratory can be established in every village of the world for bird flu with help of Genekam Fluhunter.

Genekam DNA-FluHunter tests can be performed under field conditions in shortest time – prevention methods may be induced just in time. No serological tests worldwide is able to differ between those dangerous viruses H5N1, H7 and H9 at the same time – Genekam DNA-FluHunter can do this, therefore it is the perfect match for monitoring this virus. One should not forget that monitoring is the first step to prevent the spread of infection. Years ago, the spreading of SARS has successfully been managed using DNA-test methods and other public health methods and there is a little need to stockpile the antiviral drugs as done with bird flu. At present, the Governments are stockpiled with the antiviral drugs, but affective prevention methods i.e. monitoring proved to be more meaningful than stockpiling the antiviral drugs in the case of SARS. Therefore there should be more stress on the monitoring of the virus.

Genekam DNA-FluHunter can be performed for both human and animals. Especially symptomless carriers such as waterfowl (so called carriers) may be tested for H5N1, H7 and H9 at the same time through DNA-Fluhunter.

Mr. Michael Ulle PR Director added “Where the people do not have the access to lastest technology of DNA tests. It is very simple to get the test done just sending a few drops of Blood in filter paper (it must be dipped in 70% Ethanol and dried before sending) to the laboratory performing such DNA tests though post or currier from any part of the world. This offer may be of interest for the staff of embassies, international companies and travellers. The price is Euro 39 (in case of a positive result Euro 39,– for gene sequencing to make the final confirmation of results). The companies, which are breeding the poultry or running the poultry farms, they must check regular their bird for the presence of such viruses as the continuous monitoring is the best way of checking the spread of virus. Even fast food-stores, food manufacturer and discounter can now test its products like poultry meat, eggs etc. with DNA technology. Genekam DNA-FluHunter is also available as kit for other laboratories as they can take samples on-site and check them, but this is good for poultry related companies as such big hatchery companies have their own laboratories for quality control. In this way the danger for other people can be strongly reduced as continuous detection means detecting the viruses at earlier stage. We request all Govt. of world to shift to this technology. In Germany, a lot poultry as well as pig meat processing plants are using regularly DNA tests to be sure that they are selling the safe food. All countries, where there are outbreaks going, they must establish laboratories for DNA testing and can use Fluhunter to trace the presence of these deadly viruses as this is best way to contain this virus on long term basis. Surely there will be costs of monitoring, but these costs are much less against against the case without monitoring, moreover the size of outbreak will be much smaller and it will be able to be controlled quickly”

Genekam Biotechnology AG
Damm Str. 31-33
47119 Duisburg
Germany
Tel: +49-203-555858-31
Fax: +49-203-358299
Internet: www.genekam.de
Email: quey@genekam.de

Genekam Biotechnology AG has developed and is manufacturing about 350 DNA tests for different viruses, bacteria, parasites etc. Moreover Genekam is only company in the world manufacturing around 13 different DNA tests for bird flu viruses pathogenic for human as well as poultry. The products of Genekam are being sold in 60 countries of the world. Genekam is offering special prices for african countries so that we can fight the bird flu virus.

This release was published on openPR.