The EUROPattern system has been extended to include computer-aided evaluation of indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) for infectious disease diagnosis. Parameters encompass Chlamydia spp., Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., HHV-6, CHIKV, coxsackievirus, EBV, DENV, hantaviruses, sandfly fever viruses, YFV and ZIKV. The assays utilize infected cells, antigen-expressing cells or bacterial smears to detect the corresponding antibodies in patient samples. IFA BIOCHIP Mosaics provide combinations of different substrates for efficient multiplex analyses. The EUROPattern microscope provides automated acquisition of the immunofluorescence images for convenient evaluation at the PC screen. It allows fast automated focusing and image recording for up to 500 fields in less than two hours. Slides are identified by means of matrix codes, eliminating the risk of mix-ups. Results can be checked retrospectively at the microscope if necessary. For selected parameters, e.g. EBV, sophisticated classification software provides positive/negative classification of the fluorescence signals, including titre designations with confidence values for positive samples. Negative results can be verified in batch for increased efficiency. The controlled LED in the microscope provides over 50,000 hours of constant light intensity, ensuring highly reproducible results. Results are consolidated into one report per patient and compared with previous findings. Different software user levels provide a hierarchical review of results, thus increasing security. All fluorescence images and reports are digitally archived. The software can be fully integrated into existing laboratory software (LIS) for a streamlined laboratory routine. The infection parameters complement established EUROPattern applications, such as the fully automated evaluation of ANA, ANCA, Crithidia luciliae, recombinant-cell and antigen-dot IFA.

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Qiagen has announced the launch of QIAstat-Dx in Europe, providing a one-step, fully integrated molecular analysis of common syndromes as tested for in infections, oncology and other diseases. The launch follows the closing of the acquisition of Stat-Dx announced in January 2018 and the successful completion of defined development activities by Stat-Dx.
QIAstat-Dx (formerly Stat-Dx DiagCORE) represents the next-generation in multiplex molecular diagnostic systems that enables fast, cost-effective and flexible syndromic testing with novel Sample-to-Insight solutions powered by Qiagen chemistries. The system, based on the proprietary DiagCORE technology, received CE-IVD marking in January 2018 and already has a significant installed base among early adopters. QIAstat-Dx is now being launched with an upgraded CE-IVD-marked respiratory panel that detects 21 pathogens. The panel is the first test in a deep and broad pipeline of planned assays for QIAstat-Dx which spans infectious diseases, oncology, companion diagnostics and other disease areas. Using Qiagen sample and assay technologies, the system can deliver true Sample-to-Insight processing of even the most challenging samples, opening up opportunities in a broad range of application areas not possible with currently available systems. Samples include tissue samples in pathology, liquid or difficult-to-handle sputum samples in infectious disease, with direct onboard swab processing. The system is the only multiplex syndromic testing system based on real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology that can process up to 48 targets and is designed with the additional capability to process immunoassays. These features create superior target and application versatility, as well as disease management options. This system enables customers to precisely quantify biological targets, which is specifically important in oncology or transplantation patients and leads to improved treatment decisions. The use of real-time PCR also allows a vast portfolio of current real-time PCR tests to be portable onto the system. The proprietary workflow design with an attractive cost of ownership has the potential to enable laboratories to take a tailored approach to the selective analysis and reporting of tested molecular targets. The flexible approach will represent a significant improvement over currently available systems that offer rigid panel designs, and therefore require co-processing of molecular targets found to be irrelevant in the patient sample, which may complicate reimbursement.
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A new ELISA provides parallel detection of anti-Zika virus antibodies of classes IgA and IgM against the highly specific viral non-structural protein (NS-1). Anti-Zika virus NS-1 antibodies of class IgA are a novel alternative indicator of acute infection, and their detection is particularly useful in cases where IgM is not detectable. This can occur, for example, in patients who have had previous contact with a flavivirus through infection or vaccination (e.g. dengue, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis or West Nile viruses). When these individuals become infected with another virus of the genus Flavivirus, in this case Zika virus, the specific IgM response may be absent (secondary immune response). In these cases, determination of specific IgA can facilitate diagnosis of the acute Zika virus infection.
Studies have shown that although not all patients with an acute Zika virus infection exhibit specific IgM and specific IgA antibodies, all tested samples were reactive for at least one of the two parameters. Therefore, combined testing for IgM and IgA is beneficial for reliable diagnosis of acute infections.
In the study, serum samples of 31 patients with confirmed acute Zika virus infections from the Dominican Republic, where Zika and dengue viruses are endemic, and 40 patients from Vietnam with acute dengue virus infection were tested with the new ELISA. The Anti-Zika Virus IgAM yielded a sensitivity of 100% (31/31) and a specificity of 95% (38/40). In comparison, the Anti-Zika Virus IgM demonstrated a sensitivity of 29% (9/31) and a specificity of 100% (40/40). Thus, combined detection of both antibody classes instead of just IgM leads to a threefold increase in the sensitivity for acute Zika virus infections without a significant loss of specificity.
Early diagnosis of acute infections with Zika viruses is particularly important for pregnant women since the virus may interfere with the neurological development of the fetus and can cause microcephaly. However, also in adults the viral infection may have long-term neurological consequences. Therefore, timely recognition of this infectious disease is required.

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Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila causes costly hospital and ICU admissions. It is difficult to clinically distinguish between the two bacteria and due to different treatment of the diseases, guidelines recommend double testing.
The ImmuView Antigen test makes it now possible to readily distinguish between both microorganisms in patients with presumed infection, allowing clinicians to initiate the correct antibiotic treatment. It is the only rapid test that identifies both Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila in one single test for urine and CSF samples. ImmuView is very simple to use, does not require any special equipment, and provides a result in just 15 minutes. In fact, in only 3 simple steps, it determines whether the patient has a double infection, a S. pneumoniae infection, a Legionella infection, or none of these.  

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