A new study gave hope that a rapid, cost-effective test for detecting Zika virus infection will soon be available. Canadian scientists analyzed the saliva of a mother infected with Zika. She gave birth to twins, one of whom had microcephaly and the other did not. An analysis of the saliva of both infants revealed highly specific differences in proteins and peptides. The investigators hope that a saliva test that can identify this Zika virus “signature” can provide faster diagnoses than is currently available through RNA-based tests (which yield accurate results after 5–7 days postexposure).
A Saliva Test for Zika Virus
