Virus Outbreaks and the Critical Role of Advanced Screening Platforms

The constant emergence of viral threats necessitates continuous innovation in both therapeutic development and diagnostic technologies. From the yearly seasonal flu to the recent waves of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the unforgettable COVID-19 pandemic, understanding viral evolution and deploying rapid detection methods have become paramount. 

The current outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in California is another pressing example that highlights the need for robust diagnostic and screening solutions capable of handling pathogen complexity and scale.

The Challenge of Detecting Emerging Pathogens

Emerging pathogens, such as novel influenza viruses and beta coronaviruses, pose significant risks due to their potential for rapid transmission and high mutation rates. The early identification of such pathogens is essential for initiating timely public health responses and accelerating drug discovery pipelines.

The Avrok PAN25+ Screening Panel addresses these challenges by integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to detect a wide array of viruses in a single, comprehensive assay and one report. This advanced platform screens for over 25 respiratory viruses, including:

• Influenza Virus A (including H3N2, H5N1, H1N1) 
• Influenza Virus B (including Victoria and Yamagata)
• Human Rhinovirus A, B and C 
• Parainfluenza 1 and 2 
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) A and B 
• SARS-COV-2 
• Human Coronavirus (including 229E, Nl63, OC43 & HKU1)
• Enterovirus 
• Metapneumovirus

Includes Markers for:

• Novel Influenza Viruses A and B
• Novel Coronaviruses

One of the standout features of the PAN25+ Screening panel is its ability to precisely distinguish between various influenza strains, including H5N1, H3N2, and H1N1. This strain-specific detection capability is invaluable for researchers monitoring viral evolution and assessing the efficacy of existing antivirals or vaccines. In the case of H5N1, where genetic drift could potentially lead to enhanced transmissibility, having a diagnostic tool that can offer detailed strain-level differentiation is critical.

Streamlined Pathogen Detection for Accelerated Responses

By streamlining pathogen detection into a single comprehensive test, the PAN25+ Screening reduces complexity, accelerates response times, and provides real-time data essential for tracking viral diversity and emerging threats. 

The PAN25+ Screening Panel demonstrates versatility by supporting both individual diagnostic testing and large-scale population monitoring through wastewater surveillance. 

Its compatibility with diverse specimen types—including nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, shallow nasal swabs, and saliva—enables broad application across clinical and public health settings. 

This capability becomes especially crucial during concurrent outbreaks, such as the overlap of the current flu season with RSV and H5N1 cases, where swift and comprehensive pathogen detection is key.

Implications for Drug Discovery

For senior-level researchers in drug discovery, the PAN25+ Screening Panel offers significant value beyond diagnostics. Real-time data on pathogen prevalence and genetic diversity can inform the selection of viral targets for antiviral development. 

Furthermore, the platform’s comprehensive pathogen coverage supports studies on co-infections, which are increasingly recognized as complicating factors in disease severity and treatment outcomes.

By leveraging detailed insights into viral genomics, drug discovery teams can:

• Prioritize high-impact therapeutic targets based on circulating strain prevalence.
• Accelerate preclinical and clinical validation by correlating diagnostic data with treatment responses.
• Support the development of broad-spectrum antivirals designed to target conserved regions across multiple viral strains.

Trusted Laboratory Standards and Specimen Versatility

Conducted at Avrok’s CAP/CLIA-accredited lab in Azusa, CA, the PAN25+ Screening Panel adheres to stringent quality standards, ensuring reliable and reproducible results. This versatility simplifies sample collection protocols across diverse clinical settings, enhancing the overall efficiency of diagnostic workflows.

For more information, visit:  AvrokBio.com