Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which has spread globally in recent months, has become a significant threat among infectious diseases. Mpox, which is seen in many countries on different continents, was declared a “global emergency” by the World Health Organization last month.
Mpox, which manifests itself with headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, weakness, skin rash and lesions, spreads through close contact with infected people and animals. The symptoms of Mpox and the symptoms of “Chickenpox” are very similar. This situation requires doctors to make a precisive diagnosis when starting the treatment process.
The dual PCR kit developed by Near East University researchers aims to speed up the diagnosis process of doctors with its ability to detect Chickenpox and Mpox, which have similar symptoms, from the same sample. This innovative kit, which will provide great convenience in clinical processes, will enable patients to be diagnosed quickly and accurately, allowing early treatment to begin.
The dual PCR diagnostic kit (VZV-Mpox Dual Screening Kit) developed by Dr. Gülten Tuncel and Dr. Gökçe Akan, researchers at the Near East University DESAM Research Institute Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory, will increase the diagnostic capacity of healthcare institutions and laboratories, while also playing an important role in protecting public health.
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Such innovative projects reveal the research capacity of our university, while also allowing us to make a difference in the field of health on an international scale.”
Stating that the Mpox PCR Diagnostic Kit developed by Near East University researchers is ready for use, Near East University Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “The dual PCR diagnostic kit developed by our researchers will allow physicians to quickly distinguish between Chickenpox and Mpox.”
Reminding that they developed and put into use a dual kit that distinguishes COVID-19 from flu in previous years, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Such innovative projects reveal the research capacity of our university, while also allowing us to make a difference in the field of health on an international scale.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “The dual PCR diagnostic kit we developed will accelerate the diagnosis of the disease and provide a significant advantage to healthcare professionals in terms of correct treatment planning.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The dual PCR diagnostic kit we developed will accelerate the diagnosis of the disease and provide a significant advantage to healthcare professionals in terms of correct treatment planning.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, who is also a medical microbiologist, emphasized that rapid diagnosis is the most important factor in reducing the transmission rate of diseases spread by contact.
Reminding that the Near East University DESAM Research Institute Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory gained significant experience in this field with the TRNC’s domestic PCR Diagnostic and Variant Analysis Kit developed during the COVID-19 process, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “After SARS-CoV-2, we developed many diagnostic kits, some of which are the first in the world, for viruses that can cause epidemics or pandemics. Dengue Fever, Chikungunya Virus, Monkeypox, Hepatitis Delta Virus, FIP Virus and West Nile Virus were some of these viruses. Our dual PCR diagnostic kit that can detect Chickenpox and Mpox from the same sample is also a result of this experience.”