Introduction:
Vector-borne diseases present formidable challenges to global public health, characterized by their intricate transmission patterns and elusive detection. These diseases stem from pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, which are transferred to humans and animals through the bites of infected vectors. Notably, mosquitoes rank among the most infamous vectors, assisting in the spreading of diseases such as  Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, and Zika-virus infection. Ticks also serve as carriers for illnesses like Lyme disease, while fleas contribute to the spread of Plague and Scrub Typhus.
Other aspects such as urbanization, climate change, and worldwide travel exacerbate the proliferation and geographical expansion of vector-borne diseases. These elements fuel the dissemination of pathogens and vectors, posing continual challenges to global health resilience. Timely, accurate, and precise testing for the detection of these diseases is essential for guiding clinical management and informing public health interventions. Thus, we can effectively alleviate the burden of vector-borne illnesses on global populations.
There are various diagnostic methods for diagnosing vector-borne diseases: virus isolation, ELISA Tests (Micro-well test using Enzyme-Substrate reaction), Pathogen culture, Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunochromatography-based rapid card tests (Card tests based on lateral flow).
Rapid card tests are diagnostic tools designed to produce swift results (typically within 20 minutes) compared with traditional diagnostic methods that may require hours or even days for results to manifest. These tests are versatile and can be administered across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Particularly advantageous in time-sensitive scenarios, such as emergency departments or when attending to critically ill patients, rapid tests provide essential information swiftly, facilitating prompt decision-making and patient care.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests are renowned for their heightened sensitivity and specificity, primarily attributed to the utilization of enzyme-substrate reactions. Additionally, they incorporate washing steps to eliminate nonspecific antibodies present in patient specimens, further enhancing their accuracy. Laboratories equipped with ELISA readers and washers typically favor processing large samples, often utilizing 96-well microplates. Despite the efficiency of ELISA tests, the turnaround time for processing more than 90 samples ranges typically from 2 to 3 hours, reflecting the meticulous nature of the assay procedure.
Molecular diagnostic tests (such as RT-PCR) offer several advantages for detecting and managing vector-borne diseases. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays can detect even low levels of pathogens with high accuracy, making them particularly suitable for detecting vector-borne diseases in early stages or in individuals with low pathogen levels. These tests can simultaneously detect multiple pathogens in a single sample, which is especially valuable in regions where co-infections are common or when dealing with emerging infectious diseases.
Chemiluminescence testing has emerged as a powerful tool in the battle against vector-borne diseases. It offers exceptional sensitivity and specificity, offering heightened accuracy and efficiency in reporting patient test results. By detecting low levels of target analytes in biological samples like serum or plasma, chemiluminescence assays provide a crucial advantage in diagnosing vector-borne diseases, where early detection is the key to effective treatment and containment. By precisely identifying pathogens or antibodies associated with these diseases, chemiluminescence assays empower healthcare providers to initiate timely interventions, thereby mitigating the risk of complications and transmission within communities.
Chemiluminescent assays involve the detection of light emission resulting from a chemical reaction, providing a highly sensitive and specific method for identifying viral antigens or antibodies. The AE (Acridinium Ester) based chemiluminescent immunoassay is the most advanced diagnostic method in comparison to the standard ELISA; the chemiluminescent method has better sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in test results due to a closed system. Hence, the chemiluminescence immunoassay is more suitable than all other conventional methods due to better reliability, rapid results, cost-effectiveness, simplicity of performance, and a field-operable analytical tool.
Advantages of Chemiluminescence:
- Better performance: Chemiluminescent assays offer superior sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional rapid and ELISA tests. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially during the acute stages of infection when viral loads are low.
- Multiplexing Capability: Chemiluminescence technology allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers. This capability is valuable in distinguishing between dengue virus and co-infections with other viruses, resulting in more precise diagnoses.
- Automation and Efficiency: Automated chemiluminescent platforms streamline the testing process, reducing the dependence on skilled technicians and minimizing the risk of human error. This enhances overall efficiency and turnaround times, allowing prompt patient management decisions.
Conclusion:
Chemiluminescence testing has become an invaluable diagnostic strategy in the fight against vector-borne diseases, providing numerous benefits that enhance patient care and public health outcomes. With its superior sensitivity and the ability to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously (Multiplexing), along with rapid turnaround times and automation, this technology empowers healthcare providers to combat the spread of these diseases effectively. As we face ongoing challenges from emerging infectious threats and endemic diseases, the continuing integration and advancement of chemiluminescence testing offer promise for improving our capacity to detect, monitor, and control vector-borne diseases worldwide.
