Experts: Genetic tests can help in the timely detection and treatment of new viral diseases

Viral diseases have increased and are affecting human health worldwide. New strains of deadly viruses have emerged and spread across the globe. From the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003 to the Covid-19 pandemic and the current MPOX pandemic, the world is battling one viral disease or another. Who is responsible? According to experts, our changing habits play a key role in viruses spreading faster than they did just a few decades ago. With increased global travel, someone can be exposed to a virus one day and bring it to their city the next. Cities are becoming more densely populated and we often gather in large crowds at events, which further accelerates the spread of viruses.

We have contacted health experts who tell us how genetic testing can help in timely detection of new viral diseases. Dr. Gunisha Pasricha, senior scientist and infectious disease expert at MedGenome, shares that viral diseases have a tremendous impact on human health worldwide. “In the evolving infectious disease landscape, genetic analysis is critical for identifying and treating new viral infections. Changing weather conditions can create environments that favor the spread of previously less common viruses. For example, warmer temperatures could increase the transmission time of certain viruses or allow new strains to thrive,” she said.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across the globe, costing millions of lives, severely impacting public health systems, and causing social and economic crises. RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV2 virus have played an important role in containing the disease. Genetic testing is a powerful tool to address these challenges, enabling early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of emerging viral threats.

Genetic testing helps identify viral DNA or RNA in patient samples before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention. This early detection is crucial to prevent large-scale outbreaks and initiate prompt treatment.

“Genetic tests such as multiplex RT-PCR help doctors make accurate diagnoses by identifying the difference between closely related viruses that can cause similar symptoms. This precision ensures that patients receive the right treatment and helps avoid misdiagnosis, which is especially important when new virus strains emerge. Advanced sequencing technologies identify new viral pathogens by analyzing genetic material and finding new viruses or mutations that may be missed by traditional diagnostic methods,” said Dr. Gunisha.

“Genetic testing, such as whole genome sequencing of viruses, also helps track how viruses change and how those changes may impact treatment and vaccine development. Scientists can understand how viruses evolve by analyzing viral genomes from different cases. This information is critical to adapt public health strategies and ensure that treatments and vaccines remain effective against evolving viral threats,” she said.

Dr. Sandeep S. Reddy, Consultant in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, explains that understanding the causes of these outbreaks, the importance of stronger immunity and access to timely diagnosis play a critical role in controlling and preventing widespread infections.

“As we rebuild our lives from the disasters of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to recognize such viral outbreaks of recent years as a global problem affecting our communities and straining health systems. These outbreaks are often due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, environmental changes due to urbanization/deforestation, poor hygiene practices, crowded housing, extensive global travel, and increasing human-animal contacts that facilitate rapid transmission of the viruses. Ongoing climate change also plays a role by altering the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes, leading to the emergence of new viral diseases and the re-emergence of old vector-borne diseases,” he said.

How do you fight viral infections?

According to experts, building and maintaining a strong immune system is crucial in the fight against viral infections. A healthy immune system can more effectively recognize and eliminate pathogens, thereby reducing the severity of the disease.

Vaccinations play an important role in building immunity, providing protection against certain viruses and contributing to herd immunity. This collective action of balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and age-appropriate immunization is critical to reducing overall infection rates and protecting our vulnerable population.

“Early detection of symptoms can lead to timely medical intervention. Using rapid point-of-care diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and antigen-antibody detection tests are crucial steps. Being aware of the infections currently prevalent in our communities can also help in early diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Sandeep.