Scientists found 86% accuracy rate in determining cold or flu virus. With the use of mucous, viral infection can be easily detected.
Science Daily reported that today viral infection from a cold or flu can now be accurately detected. Duke Health scientists believe that a group of proteins in the mucous is the key to found out such viruses.
The goal of the study is to quickly determine and treat the cause of upper respiratory illnesses. Geoffrey S. Ginsburg, M.D., Ph.D. confidently stated that upon looking for proteins on people's runny nose, could be likely to be the easiest and inexpensive way to determine viruses. Through the process, a viral infection could be easily stopped from spreading or if not, bacteria can be treated by antibiotics.
Meanwhile, according to Normal Breathing, runny nose can be caused by several factors in the environment or low oxygen level in the body. But, the main superficial causes of runny nose are bacterial and viral infections. Others include, sleep, meals, emotions, stress, low body-oxygen content among others.
To test the effectiveness of the process, scientists tested 88 individuals and infected it with common cold and flu virus. Eventually, from the participants who get sick, the researchers get fluid samples from their nasal passages thru their runny nose.
Upon examinations, they found 25 proteins in the fluid samples. The data was accurate and proved that analyzing the proteins in the mucous consumes less time than blood samples.
Thru further research of identifying viral infection in a person's mucous, scientists were able to derive a paper-based test. According to senior author director of applied genomics, Christopher Woods, the paper-based test can be used at clinics and home to easily determine viruses.
Soon, the paper-based test to determine viral infection from a person thru runny nose and proteins will be introduced to underdeveloped countries. Also, it can be used in airports to determine a virus outbreak which a person or several persons carries.
