NIST researcher Megan Cleveland was part of a team that developed a nonhazardous, synthetic genetic material that will aid in the development of new diagnostic tests for the H5N1 virus, in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Credit: A. Boss/NIST
To bolster the nation’s preparedness for a pandemic, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a synthetic, nonhazardous genetic material to support the development and validation of diagnostic tests for the H5N1 virus (commonly known as bird flu). This genetic material will enable test manufacturers to assess and calibrate new diagnostic tests, which would be essential in the event of an H5N1 pandemic.
“We believe this genetic material will significantly advance our national readiness for potential pandemic threats,” said NIST research chemist Peter M. Vallone.
“The sooner this genetic material reaches manufacturers, the faster we can facilitate the development and validation of new H5N1 diagnostics,” added NIST microbial geneticist Scott Jackson.
Addressing the H5N1 Threat
The H5N1 virus is currently a low-risk threat to human health for the general public. However, recent highly pathogenic strains affecting cattle and poultry have raised concerns about human infection and the risk of a pandemic. There are currently a limited number of diagnostic tests for the virus on the market. One developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available in the U.S. and distributed to around 100 local and state labs.
Should H5N1 spread w ..
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