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IISc team develop biomarkers to spot bacterial, viral infections

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    19th May, 2021

A study has identified a set of molecular biomarkers that can be used in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial and viral infections, including Covid-19.

Context

A study has identified a set of molecular biomarkers that can be used in the differential diagnosis of acute bacterial and viral infections, including Covid-19.

About the developed biomarkers

  • In the new study, researchers have developed a test using patient blood transcriptomes and computational modeling.
    • A transcriptome is a full set of mRNA molecules expressed by a biological cell, which is measured using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies.
  • During an infection, there are specific genes that get turned on and these, in turn, lead to higher amounts of specific mRNAs and ultimately, higher amounts of the corresponding proteins.
  • These biomarkers are different messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules found in the blood.
  • Differences in their levels can detect and predict with high probability if an infection is viral or bacterial.
  • The human body responds to bacterial and viral diseases differently, producing molecules in the blood depending on the type of infection.

  • Researchers devised a standalone score called VB10, which could be used for diagnosis, monitoring the stage of recovery after infection, and estimating the severity of the infection.
    • VB10 accurately indicated whether a given blood sample had a bacterial or viral infection, across different bacteria and viruses and across different age groups.
    • The test could be useful for differentiating Covid-19 infection from bacterial infections as well.

Use of biomarkers during infection

  • While antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, they are ineffective against viral ones.

  • Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has given rise to bacterial strains that are now resistant to the existing arsenal of antibiotics.

  • Antibiotics are given even for viral infections in some cases because of misdiagnosis.

  • With current methods, it can take a lot of time to test for bacterial or viral infections.

 Biomarkers

  • A biomarker, or biological marker is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition.
  • Biomarkers are often measured and evaluated using blood, urine, or soft tissues  to examine normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention.
  • Biomarkers are used in many scientific fields.
  • Some of the example of bacterial biomarkers: Leucocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1), pro-adrenomedullin (ProADM), serum procalcitonin (PCT), mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), pancreatic stone protein (PSP)/regenerating protein (reg), Intelekins.

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