Ibis Biosciences, a subsidary of Abbott, has launched a new molecular assay to identify vector-borne microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, certain parasites which cause lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.
The molecular assay employs a combination of molecular technologies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for gene amplification and mass spectrometry analysis to characterize known and unknown organisms.
It is designed to provide test results in less than eight hours and also provide information about drug resistance,virulence and strain type.
The Plex-ID Vector-borne test, which is intended for non-diagnostic use, is designed to support bioresearch, environmental surveillance.
Ibis Biosciences New Technology Development director Mark Eshoo said the Plex-ID Vector-borne test can detect a wide array of microorganisms and mixtures of microorganisms in a single specimen.
"The test can identify protozoa, bacteria, and nematodes, in a wide range of specimen types, including ticks, fleas, blood or tissue," Eshoo said.