Following the World Health Organization’s confirmation of an Andes hantavirus (ANDV) outbreak in May 2026, our team recognized a critical gap in available molecular diagnostics. Most existing commercial kits were designed for broad detection, often compromising the sensitivity needed for specific ANDV strains.
We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest research in New Microbes and New Infections, detailing the design of a highly specific RT-qPCR assay.
Why this matters:
- Superior Inclusivity: Our assay achieved 97% inclusivity across available sequences, significantly outperforming previous protocols that showed high mismatch rates.
- Outbreak Ready: The assay shows a full match with the first published sequence of the 2026 outbreak (ANDV/Switzerland/Hu-3337/2026).
- Rapid Results: Optimized for efficiency, the protocol provides results in approximately 45 minutes.
This assay has been commercially available since May 13, 2026, and is currently being evaluated by reference laboratories using clinical samples. We remain committed to providing the scientific community with the tools needed to respond to emerging respiratory threats.
🔗 Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmni.2026.101799
