INDIA has developed its indigenous RT-PCR testing kit for mpox, a highly contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses as smallpox but is less harmful.
Developed by Siemens Healthineers, a healthcare unit of Siemens, the IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay has received manufacturing approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ANI reports.
According to the company the kits will be manufactured at their molecular diagnostics manufacturing unit in Vadodara.
The company said its molecular diagnostic test targets two distinct regions in the viral genome, spanning both clade I and clade II variants of the virus. "This ensures thorough detection across various viral strains, provides comprehensive results," it added.
The kit can function in the existing Covid testing infrastructure and test results will be available in 40 minutes.
The World Health Organisation has declared the spread of mpox a global health emergency.
Mpox has already killed at least 450 people in the Republic of Congo.
The virus was originally transmitted from animals to humans, but now it is also transmitted from humans to humans.
The mpox virus causes pus-filled lesions and flu-like symptoms. It is usually mild but can kill.
At least four cases of mpox have been detected in Pakistan and it has stepped up screening at airports, as all the patients affected by the virus had reportedly returned from abroad.
In India, various state governments have taken up measures to screen and isolate patients found to be suffering from mpox.
Passengers arriving in Mumbai airport from Africa and other countries where mpox cases have been detected are being screened.
All airports in Kerala are also screening passengers arriving from mpox affected nations. (Agencies)
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