New Delhi, Nov 22 2024 - Amid rising threats of bird flu killing hundreds of birds and spilling over to mammals and possibly humans, researchers from the Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub) have recently announced the development of Steadfast, an advanced diagnostic kit aimed at swiftly detecting the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus (AIV).
This breakthrough is more than just another tool; it signifies considerable progress in the efforts to monitor avian influenza, reinforcing global pandemic preparedness initiatives. DxD Hub, which operates under the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR) based in Singapore, collaborated with Japan's National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) to bring this kit to reality.
The Steadfast kit boasts remarkable capabilities. It not only facilitates rapid detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain but also distinguishes it from low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) variants—this distinction is key for implementing effective control measures. While traditional sequencing methods can take two to three days to yield results, Steadfast can identify HPAI H5 strains (including H5N1, H5N5, and H5N6) within just three hours.
Such quick results are imperative, especially considering the alarming trend of migratory birds spreading highly pathogenic strains, which have led to mass die-offs among poultry and serious concerns for other species, including seals and even humans. Dr. Onuma Manabu, from NIES, points out the urgency, stating, "These events show how rapidly the virus is muting. It's no longer just about birds; it's about safeguarding against possible pandemics." The spread of H5N1 to various mammals, highlighted by its recent detections, raises significant alarms about the potential for human infection.
The H5N1 virus can be transmitted through direct contact between birds, contaminated surfaces, and even droppings. Migratory wild birds, often natural carriers of the virus, spread these pathogens over extensive distances, affecting domestic poultry populations and posing risks to humans involved with animal husbandry.
Poultry infected with these lethal HPAI strains require immediate culling to contain outbreaks. Conversely, LPAI strains often lead to milder symptoms and allow for more sustainable management strategies. With the improved detection capabilities of Steadfast, health officials can react quickly, helping to mitigate risks associated with such avian influenza strains.
Dr. Weng Ruifen, CEO of DxD Hub, expressed pride over the collaboration, stating, "Our work with NIES and ASTAR BII exemplifies our commitment to enhancing surveillance of zoonotic diseases and bolstering global pandemic preparedness. This kit will facilitate timely responses and help lessen public anxiety around potential outbreaks of avian influenza.”
Steadfast, which was validated through the assessment of viruses detected from wild birds across Japan—spanning 2022 to 2024—serves as a practical means for clinicians and researchers alike. It offers bioinformatics support for effective data analysis related to the viruses’ genetic makeup.
Meanwhile, as Steadfast prepares to deploy, the U.S. continues to grapple with H5N1 cases. On Nov 23, the CDC confirmed the first human infection of H5N1 bird flu in California, affecting a child who exhibited mild symptoms, which echoes similar patterns seen across earlier cases. Fortunately, the child received necessary antiviral treatments and is on the mend.
The CDC reported 55 human cases associated with H5 bird flu within 2024—including 29 in California alone—with no confirmed evidence of human-to-human transmission. The agency maintains the public's risk remains low, though they caution individuals with potential exposure to infected animals are more vulnerable.
Dr. Sebastian Maurer-Stroh from A*STAR expressed the importance of using tools like Steadfast, emphasizing the urgent need for rapid detection to manage avian influenza threats. “Speed and accuracy are fundamental for effectively containing infectious disease outbreaks,