Turkish University Develops D Hepatitis Early Detection Test Tool

JAKARTA - Near East University in the Republic of Turkey North Cyprus (TRNC) and Manisa Celal University Pay in western Turkey developed a PCR diagnostic test kit that could detect hepatitis D virus in the early stages.

"Hepatitis D Real-Time Virus Diagnostics Tool" aims to fill the gap in diagnostic tools by enabling early and accurate detection of the virus.

Created by researchers at the Near East University Institute of Experimental Health Sciences Research (DESAM) and Manisa Celal Bayar University, this tool has the potential to accelerate diagnosis and reduce pressure on health care systems.

"This achievement shows the importance of collaboration between universities and the production of domestic biotechnology," said Near East University Chancellor Tamer

He said the development of this domestic diagnostic device answered significant scientific and social needs and highlighted the values of local biotechnology initiatives.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the DESAM Genomic Device and Analysis Production Laboratory has developed and prepared diagnostic devices for various infectious diseases.

"Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and qualified researchers, our laboratory has quickly produced PCR kits to detect SARS-CoV-2, dengue fever, the Chikungu virus, monkeypox, cat-infectious peritonitis virus, and the West Nile virus," he said.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks the liver and causes serious infections, spreads through blood, sexual intercourse, and from mother to child during birth. This virus can cause inflammation of the liver, and if the immune system cannot completely clean up the virus, acute infections can develop into chronic hepatitis, which increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

While hepatitis virus D (HDV) cannot cause self-infection. This virus can only replicate to people infected with HBV. The existence of HDV exacerbated the journey of HBV infection, which causes faster liver damage and higher risk of cirrhosis. When HBV and HDV appear simultaneously, the disease tends to become more aggressive.

Early diagnosis is essential for controlling liver infection and starting treatment before the disease develops. This can play a key role in disease management and effective treatment planning.

This new device will also contribute to public health protection. The results of this project have been shared with the scientific community through international publications.