Siberian scientists offer new tests to identify Ebola virus

Russian scientists have developed a rapid test system to identify the deadly Ebola, Lassa, Machupo and some other hemorrhagic fever viruses at early stages

Researchers at the Vector Virology and Biotechnology Center outside Novosibirsk, in Siberia, have developed and validated a rapid test system to identify the deadly Ebola, Lassa, Machupo and some other hemorrhagic fever viruses at early stages, the website of the Vesti TV channel reported. The diseases caused by the viruses oftentimes lead to severe complications and deaths. The new tests are believed to be able to pinpoint a virus within four-to-six hours. To make it possible, the Siberian scientists have used a polymerase chain reaction method. One test reportedly renders redundant a number of additional methods that labs have widely used, thus having to wait for results much longer. The new system was originally developed in 2010. It took the Vector team three years to complete all trial phases. Last month, Rosdravnadzor, the Russian analog of the U.S.? FDA, issued an official endorsement for the use of this new diagnostics across Russia...