In 2009, a new strain of influenza originating in swine (influenza A(H1N1)) broke out and subsequently spread across the globe. It has been some time since the warning was issued regarding the risk of pandemic influenza for a new strain of viruses which originate in birds, swine, and other animals, and to which humans have no immunity. Sysmex is working to develop a technology which is capable of selectively detecting avian influenza viruses, in the hopes of preventing the spread of such viruses through the commercialization of that technology.
Mutation of Flu Viruses and the Threat of a Pandemic
cswine-origin influenza in Mexico. The virus was attenuated but highly infectious, and instantly spread to over 40 countries around the world, infecting more than 10 thousand people and claiming over 80 lives*. It is also feared that this virus will undergo repeated mutations, possibly incurring damage of an even greater magnitude in the near future.
Meanwhile, another source of serious concern is human infection with a highly pathogenic variety of avian influenza virus. In fact, it is this virus that the World Health Organization (WHO) expected would be responsible for the breakout of a pandemic flu. Normally non-infectious to humans, in rare instances it may be contracted through close contact with birds, and cases of human infection have been reported among Asian countries in recent years. The avian flu virus is highly virulent, and some say that the fatality rate of the infected could be over 60%.
R&D of influenza virus testing technology
From the past until the present, influenza viruses have undergone one mutation after another, posing a threat to human health. As it is believed to be impossible to completely eradicate these viruses, it is crucial to prepare a healthcare system in anticipation of the possible spread of human infection. For this purpose, Sysmex is developing technology for rapid and simplified detection of infection with these lethal flu viruses.
*As announced by WHO in May 2009
Technology to Specifically Detect Avian Flu Viruses in a Rapid and Simplified Manner
May 2009, Japan
Since its launch in 2002, Sysmex's POCTEM Influenza A/B has been widely used at many clinics and hospitals, helping them in the rapid and simplified detection of human infection with influenza viruses A and B.
In early 2009, Sysmex developed technology for the rapid and simplified detection of avian influenza viruses jointly with the Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health (OPIPH).
If avian flu viruses are able to mutate and begin spreading from person to person, it is important to locate and isolate the infected so that the spread of infection may be controlled and health hazards can be minimized. It is also important to identify viruses in the infected and commence treatment early.
To do this, it is necessary to have arrangements in place for rapid inspection at clinics, hospitals, and other medical institutions, as well as airports and harbors. The simplified diagnosis kits for human influenza viruses which are generally used now can determine whether one is infected with influenza, but they cannot differentiate whether it is simply a seasonal flu caused by influenza viruses A, B, etc. or if it is the result of a new viral strain of avian origin. To make this determination requires an examination of the virus's genes at special facilities, which are currently few in number, and this measuring process can take anywhere from several hours to an entire day to complete.
Through joint research with OPIPH, Sysmex was able to determine slight differences in the structure of nucleoproteins between avian and human strains of the influenza virus. Focusing on these differences, we have established a technique which enables simplified and rapid selective detection of avian influenza viruses (H5, H7, and H9). Because this technology probes a certain part of the nucleoprotein whose structure differs between avian and human strains, we believe that avian influenza viruses with a mutated surface structure may be detected. Able to be performed anywhere and at any time without major facilities or specialized equipment in approximately ten minutes, we also believe that this testing method can be effective in quickly isolating the infected at hospitals and clinics, and airports and harbors, and in curbing the spread of infection.
We are now preparing for the shipment of "research kits" of this technology to research institutions, etc. After verifying their usefulness at those institutions, we will move on to the development of "clinical kits," which will then be released on the commercial market.
Sysmex Influenza Virus A/B Antigen Detection Kit
(Only available in Japan)
 POCTEM Influenza A/B
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 POCTEM S Influenza
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Detects influenza viruses A and B using a nasopharyngeal aspirate, nasal swab, and pharyngeal swab. With POCTEM S Influenza, testing is completed in approximately 10 minutes.
Note:Both of these kits are capable of detecting an influenza virus A, regardless of the subtypes of virus surface antigens. Because the new influenza A(H1N1) that broke out in April 2009 is a subtype of influenza A, both kits should theoretically be able to detect it, although there is no recorded data of the virus being detected in a patient infected with the new influenza as of this writing.
Developing Testing Techniques for Various Infectious Diseases
In this world there are many different kinds of infectious diseases which pose a threat to the lives and health of human beings, and influenza is one of them. It is feared that the sphere of influence of such diseases will increase as the earth warms up, increasing the amount of harm to people's health.
Sysmex remains committed to research work on many kinds of infectious diseases, including influenza, driving the R&D of testing technologies that will serve to prevent the spread of these infectious diseases.
Note:This Highlight was written in light of the information available to Sysmex as of May 2009, and thus may differ materially from actual future events. Also, this feature discusses mainly the healthcare system in Japan, which may differ from those in other countries. Please also note that this article gives an account of Sysmex's development of technology to detect avian influenza viruses (H5, H7, H9, etc.), and does not contain information about technology for detecting the new strain of swine-origin influenza (influenza A(H1N1)) which broke out in April 2009.
Note:This article appeared in the Highlights section of the Sysmex Sustainability Report 2009, and its content is unchanged from that published in August 2009.
