Near East University and Manisa Celal Bayar University have partnered to develop a “PCR diagnostic kit” capable of detecting Hepatitis Delta virus at an early stage.
The “Hepatitis D Virus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic Kit,” developed jointly by Near East University and Manisa Celal Bayar University, aims to address the shortage of diagnostic kits by providing early and accurate detection of Hepatitis Delta (HDV). This innovative diagnostic kit, developed by researchers at the Near East University Experimental Health Sciences Research Institute (DESAM) and Manisa Celal Bayar University, has the potential to reduce a significant burden on the healthcare system by accelerating diagnostic processes.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which targets the liver and causes serious infections, is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to baby during birth, causing liver inflammation. In addition to acute infection, it can also develop into chronic hepatitis if the immune system fails to completely clear the virus. This situation paves the way for serious risks such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis D virus (HDV), however, cannot cause infection on its own but it can multiply only in conjunction with HBV or in individuals who are HBV carriers.
The presence of hepatitis D virus exacerbates the course of HBV infection and is associated with a higher risk of rapidly progressive liver damage and cirrhosis. Therefore, when HBV and HDV coexist, the disease is more aggressive. Early diagnosis is crucial for rapid control of liver infection. Initiating treatment before the infection progresses is critical for disease management and appropriate treatment planning.
The “Hepatitis D Virus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic Kit,” developed by researchers at the Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Near East University DESAM Research Institute in collaboration with Manisa Celal Bayar University, will also play a significant role in protecting public health. In addition to the molecular diagnostic kit developed as part of the project, the results obtained were shared with the scientific community in international scientific publications.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This achievement demonstrates the importance of interuniversity collaboration and domestic biotechnology production!”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that the developed diagnostic kit fills a significant scientific and societal gap, saying, “The development of our domestic diagnostic kit for the hepatitis D virus also highlights the importance of interuniversity collaboration and domestic biotechnology production.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also noted that they have developed and made ready-to-use diagnostic kits for the detection of many epidemics since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also added, “Having an advanced infrastructure, well-equipped equipment and qualified researchers, our DESAM Research Institute Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory has developed PCR kits that quickly diagnose many diseases, including Dengue Fever, Chikungunya Virus, Monkeypox, FIP Virus, and West Nile Virus, in addition to SARS-CoV-2.”