ARS | Publication request: Viral diagnostics: will new technology save the day

Submitted to: Avian Pathology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: December 19, 2011
Publication Date: June 18, 2012
Citation: Spackman, E. 2012. Viral diagnostics: will new technology save the day. Avian Pathology. 41:3,251-258.

Technical Abstract: Technology for infectious agent detection continues to evolve, particularly molecular methods which first emerged in the mid-1970’s. The goals of new technology in diagnostics are to achieve the highest sensitivity and specificity possible to accurately identify the infection status of an individual or flock in the shortest time possible. Ease of use, low cost and increased information from a single test (e.g. multiplexing) are also critical areas which are frequently targeted for improvement. New tests and modifications of current tests are reported often and diagnostic tests are now commonly developed by commercial companies. As one would expect most advances in diagnostic technology are applied first to human health, then may be adapted to animal health if practical. Here the trends and novel innovative technologies in primarily viral diagnostics are reviewed. The practicality of these methods and application for poultry health are briefly discussed. Also, influenza will seem to be over represented in viral diagnostics since it is frequently used as a proof-of-concept target for novel technology due to its importance for animal and public health. Finally, the author makes no claims or endorsements of any of the technology or products mentioned nor is this review entirely comprehensive of all technology; this is intended to be a brief survey of some of the innovative diagnostics technologies for active infections which have been reported in recent years.