UMass Boston

Researchers at UMass Boston have created a rapid test for detecting the widespread avian influenza virus (H5N1).

“This rapid test has the potential to lead to more efficient control at the source of the outbreak.”

The recent strain of the influenza H5N1 virus, which primarily affects birds and occasionally infects cattle and humans, is both widespread and deadly. Cases have been detected in birds in all 50 U.S. states and have infected 70 humans so far, according to the CDC. 

Professor of Engineering Kimberly Hamad-Schifferli and Assistant Professor of Biology Nichola Hill are co-authors of a study released last month in the journal ACS Nanoscience Au that focuses on developing an immunoassay (a rapid test that detects specific substances using antibodies) for detecting H5N1 to improve surveillance. The study findings have identified a rapid immunoassay for detecting bird flu across various sample types including milk, eggs, and bird samples, providing a valuable tool for monitoring the spread of the virus. 

One of the challenges of an outbreak like we’re seeing with bird flu is early detection of the virus. Sampling requires time and resources to detect events early, which is particularly difficult when the outbreaks are occurring on farms or in natural settings away from populated areas where lab testing can take place. Labs can become overwhelmed with samples which causes a delay in detection of the infection and ultimately slow control of the spread. 

“This new rapid test can identify positive virus samples much faster than the 1-7 day turnaround time for PCR testing,” said Hill. This quick turnaround could help control an outbreak at the source. 

“This test could be used at point of consumption or in the field, as it is easy to use, is self-contained, and can go from sample to answer within minutes,” said Hamad-Schifferli.

The paper test works by using gold nanospheres attached to specific antibodies, proteins that recognize and stick to the H5N1 virus. When the virus is present, the gold particles create a color change clearly on the paper strip. The test is able to detect small amounts of the virus (.16 nanometers in human samples and 1.72 nanometers in milk). It can detect the virus in various samples, making it useful for monitoring and controlling the spread of H5N1. 

“This is a big step toward identifying the cause of outbreaks in real-time, thereby curbing spread and saving lives, both animal and human,” said Hill. 

This diagnostic process, developed through collaboration between Hamad-Schifferli, Hill, graduate student Josselyn Mata, and Yvonne Vaillancourt, field station manager at the UMass Nantucket Field Station, offers a quick and accessible way to identify cases of infection. 

“This test can be used by those on the frontlines of influenza outbreaks including poultry farmers, animal health officials, veterinarians, wildlife managers, and government agencies involved in agricultural and public health,” said Hill. “These are individuals or groups that need to respond quickly and efficiently to identify outbreaks at the early stages in order to limit onward spread and implement control or management strategies.”