Moreover, Shakespeare witnessed numerous waves of the plague, with the disease taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of Europeans in his lifetime. With each plague outbreak in England, rulers banned mass gatherings, including London theater performances.

From 1603 to 1613, when Shakespeare’s powers as a writer peaked, the Globe and other London theatres were closed for a remarkable 78 months or over 60 percent of the time.

“Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence:
Lest his infection, being of catching nature,
Spread further.”

Coriolanus Act 3, Scene 1

What is the New COVID Variant Arcturus (XBB.1.16)?

Arcturus, also known as XBB.1.16, is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in India in January 2023 and has since been detected in over 30 countries.

Arcturus is thought to be more transmissible than previous variants of Omicron, but there is no evidence that it is more severe.

Many of the symptoms of Arcturus are similar to those of other variants of COVID-19. They may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell.

Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

But there is one atypical symptom associated with the Arcturus: Itchy eyes. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic (USA), offers:

“One new feature of cases caused by this variant is that it seems to be causing conjunctivitis, or red and itchy eyes, in young patients. This is not something that we’ve seen with prior strains of the virus.”

Is Arcturus Especially Dangerous?

While COVID-19 rates in the U.S. are relatively low and are declining, the World Health Organization (WHO) is keeping an eye on a new COVID-19 variant.

The WHO has listed the omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, known as “Arcturus,” as a variant under monitoring since March 22. Experts say this variant has a higher transmissibility rate than previous strains but doesn’t appear more dangerous.

“He shall not breathe infection in this air” — Henry VI Part 2, Act 3, Scene 2

The New COVID Variant (Arcturus) management

There is no specific treatment for Arcturus, but the same treatments that are effective against other variants of COVID-19 may also be effective against Arcturus. These treatments include:

• Vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from Arcturus.
• Paxlovid. Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that is effective against Arcturus. It is recommended for people at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
• Monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are a type of antibody that can be given to people who are at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19. They are not as effective as Paxlovid, but they may be an option for people who cannot take Paxlovid.

“The miserable have no other medicine, but only Hope.” — Measure for Measure, Act 3, Scene 1

The best way to protect yourself from Arcturus is to get vaccinated and boosted. You should also wear a mask in public indoor settings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.

Although COVID-19 rates in the U.S. are relatively low, health experts recommend people remain continue to use risk-reducing tactics, including the following:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you feel sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19.

I hope you learned something about the COVID variant with the epic name.

The post The New COVID Variant — A Striking Symptom You Should Know About appeared first on Medika Life.

One of our three Dallas Fort Worth Hospitals had twenty-three total Covid-19 hospitalized individuals, including multiple patients intubated in the ICU fighting for their life.

What a difference a week makes.

For several weeks experts warned us of the rising cases of the Covid-19 Delta Variant. The Delta variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta), was first identified in India in late 2020. This strain rapidly spread throughout the world and is now the dominant variant in the United States, including Texas.

My trusted colleague and friend for the last 25 years, Dr. Jennifer Shuford is now Texas’ chief state epidemiologist. She spoke with Texas Standard and broke down the key facts all Texans need to know.

Dr. Shufford warns the combination of low vaccination rates, the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant, and the steepness of the current Delta variant curve paint an ominous potential future for our State over the next few months.

Dr. Shuford emphasizes the delta variant is popping up all over Texas, but the people at most significant risk are in areas with low vaccination rates.

The Delta variant is the most contagious variant so far. It passes easily and quickly from person to person. Children also catch the delta variant at a higher right than the original Covid-19 virus.

Health experts have warned us all to prepare for its impact. Dr. Benjamin Neuman, a virology professor at Texas A&M University, told The Texas Tribune:

Clearly, COVID is not over.

The Delta variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta), was first identified in India in late 2020. This strain rapidly spread throughout the world and is now the dominant variant in the United States, including Texas.

In mid-June, the CDC labeled Delta as a variant of concern. Inside of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a smaller group called the SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) developed a Variant Classification scheme that defines three classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants:

• Variant of Interest
• Variant of Concern
• Variant of High Consequence

The Delta variant is nasty. A mutation in the spike protein makes the virus more “sticky.” It is more contagious and spreads in children faster than the original Covid-19 strain.

Yale Medicine pediatric infectious diseases specialist and a vaccinologist Inci Yildirim, MD, Ph.D., explained to Yale medicine News:

As older age groups get vaccinated, those who are younger and unvaccinated will be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 with any variant, but Delta seems to be impacting younger age groups more than previous variants.

The Delta variant is spreading fast in states with low vaccination rates and states where Government officials like Governor Greg Abbott do not take the virus seriously or listen to scientific experts.

On June 5, Governor Greg Abbott, who says he believes in local control of schools, issued a Government mandate blocking districts from requiring mask mandates. His Executive Order prohibits local leaders from following the science or deciding what is best for their communities.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released 2021-22 school recommendations that included strong support for in-person learning and recommended that everyone older than age two wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Governor Abbott believes individual responsibility is the key to sound public health policy. His actions do not match his words.

The Governor vetoed The Christine Blubaugh Act, Senate Bill 1109, which coasted through Congress passing with bipartisan support. The bill would have helped reduce the rate of teen sexual and dating violence.

Governor Abbott does not support individual responsibility in reproductive health. He believes the government knows what is best for women when he signed the “heartbeat bill” to limit individual liberty and freedom.

People on both sides support individual liberty. We also want to go to work and send our children to school in a safe environment.

The Dallas Morning News (DMN) reported 40% of all US Covid cases are coming from three states: Texas, Florida, and Missouri. Governor Abbott’s current plan solely depending on individual responsibility is not working.

Here is what Texas looks like compared to the rest of the nation.

Becker Hospital Review shared current vaccination rates among the states. Texas Ranks number 38. Thirty-seven states have a higher vaccination rate than Texas

• #38. Texas Number of people fully vaccinated: 12,503,152 Percentage of the population fully vaccinated: 43.12
• #39. Missouri Number of people fully vaccinated: 2,484,985 Percentage of the population fully vaccinated: 40.49
• #25. Florida Number of people fully vaccinated: 10,320,953 Percentage of the population fully vaccinated: 48.05

The DMN reported Texas added 25,026 coronavirus cases which account for 8.9% of all cases in the US. The Delta variant cases all appearing all over the State, but clusters are centered in large metropolitan areas. Travis County and Houston have raised the threat level based on the rise in cases. Dallas County has not.

The University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) in Dallas has consistently provided reliable data since the onset of the pandemic. Their experts warn we must improve vaccination rates to prevent the spread of the Delta Variant.

UTSW Infectious disease faculty explain the current state of affairs here in this video.

The post Low Texas Vaccination Rates Put All Texans at Risk From the Next Covid Delta Variant Surge appeared first on Medika Life.

The new variant is being called, BV-1, referring to its origin in the Brazos Valley. Although only one case has been identified, scientists are watching closely as this new strain shows signs of resistance to immune system antibodies. A potentially vaccine-resistant Covid-19 variant creates new challenges for public health workers.

According to the press release, a Texas A&M student tested positive for Covid-19 on March 5th. Most labs reserve genetic sequencing for severe cases of Covid-19, but the research scientists at Texas A&M have taken a different approach by sequencing Covid strains from severe, mild, and asymptomatic infections.

Genetic sequencing provides public policymakers with more information to better guide health policy. This comprehensive approach enables the early detection of new health threats as the research team closely monitors the coronavirus circulating strains in Texas.

Testing has slowed in Texas but remains a critical element of our fight against the pandemic. Testing allows us to diagnose and treat those who have Covid-19. Testing enables health workers to do contact tracing and find others who may have been exposed. Testing with genetic sequencing provides information to the public health system to track trends in specific communities.

The CDC tracks the various coronavirus strains and categorizes them into lineages. The viral groups are then categorized as variants of concern (VOC) or variants of interest (VOI). At this point, BV-1 is uncategorized. The Uk strain, B.1.1.7, is the dominant strain in most states, including Texas. The B.1.1.7 variant accounts for 44.7% of the cases load in Texas.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants Circulating in the United States

Scientists track the emerging variants to better understand how easily they might be transmitted. They also monitor the variants response to our currently FDA-approved vaccines.

The B.1.1.7 variant first emerged in the UK during September 2020 but quickly became a dominant variant worldwide. It has a specific mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This mutation makes it easier to spread. The UK reported evidence that the B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with an increased risk of death in January. Other early reports found no evidence that the B.1.1.7 variant impacted the severity of the disease. These reports also showed our vaccines are effective against B.1.1.7.

One case of Covid BV-1 may seem like no big deal. The discovery of the new variant raised eyebrows because Covid BV-1 may be resistant to antibodies. BV-1 has some genetic similarities to the B.1.1.7 variant (UK strain), which has proven to more contagious and potentially more dangerous. BV-1 also shares genetic markers with other coronavirus strains that can bypass neutralizing antibodies.

Sharing the discovery of the BV-1 variant is essential because of its genetic similarity to other coronavirus strains that can evade the immune system antibodies.

Antibodies are present in our bodies after natural infection or after vaccination. To reach herd immunity, enough people must have antibodies to prevent a virus from spreading. Data shows Covid-19 survivors generated antibodies after natural infection, and patients with a mild disease lose this protection faster than those who had a severe illness.

The Texas A&M University researchers provide large amounts of data to help Texas public health officials and the CDC monitor potential threats to our community. This data will be critically important as we move into the next phase of the pandemic and address the growing needs of those with post-Covid conditions.

A recent report shows one out of three Covid-19 survivors continue to have symptoms after their initial infection resolves. Stories about “Covid long haulers” are popping up worldwide.

The post Here is What We Know about the Brazos County Covid-19 Variant appeared first on Medika Life.

Scientists traced back 68 cases of the Covid-19 UK variant, known as B.1.1.7, to youth who participated in school-related sports and activities. Basketball, baseball, hockey, and even skiing have been linked to the sudden spike in cases. Minneapolis school districts are evaluating options to limit activities before more athletes, coaches, and parents are affected. The goal is not to prevent important extracurricular activities but rather to prevent the further spread of this Covid-19.

Fortunately, Minnesota Health Department officials report that the infected individuals have done well. Still, the increase in cases from the UK variant is problematic affecting more than just student-athletes. The StarTribune reported, “Whole-genome sequencing has confirmed that 24 of the cases were caused by the variant known as B.1.1.7, with cases found in athletes, coaches, students, and household contacts. Health officials have found links between those cases and at least 44 others.”

The B.1.1.7 variant was first detected in the United Kingdom but has rapidly spread worldwide. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) data shows this new variant is now present in all 50 US states. Current data projections suggest it will become the predominant strain in the US in the next few weeks.

The B.1.1.7 variant is more contagious due to a mutation in the receptor on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. While this variant is more contagious, it is uncertain at this time if it is more lethal.

A new March report from the UK’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) contains concerning findings. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) summarized the results as “ evidence[1] suggests the B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared with other variants.” 

Reuters reports UK health officials are concerned early data may demonstrate the B.1.1.7 may be more contagious in children and infants.

In an abundance of caution, the Minnesota Health Department recommended a temporary two-week pause in youth sporting activities to slow the spread. The recommendations were not released as a statewide mandate. Each school district is left to determine its own policy.

It is essential to know that new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, are expected. Viruses naturally mutate. Some mutations will persist while others fade away. Scientists study the genetic changes of the virus to monitor for potential threats.

While there are many identified SARS-CoV-2 mutations, there are three under a higher level of scrutiny. The B.1.1.7 (UK variant) is being monitored because it spreads so quickly. Epidemiologists are also closely watching the B.1.35 South African and the P1 Brazilian variant.  

Data suggests these three variants are more contagious and spread faster than others. A sudden spike in one of these variants could potentially strain health resources as states try to scale out vaccination rollouts as fast as possible. 

The good news is evidence so far indicates the currently available Covid-19 tests can accurately detect these variants. In addition, the FDA-approved Covid-19 vaccines are effective against these variants. Vaccine efficacy studies are in progress and are being closely monitored. 

The current FDA-approved vaccines from Moderna, Phizer, and Johnson and Johnson are still effective against the B.1.1.7 variant. The Moderna and Phizer vaccines offer 95% protection against Covid-19. Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine offers 72% protection against infection and 86% against severe disease.

All three are highly effective in preventing death. 

Minneapolis and the surrounding areas are temporarily hitting the pause button on youth sports to help prevent a wider outbreak.

The post Minneapolis Pause Youth Sports as B.1.1.7 Covid-19 Variant Surges appeared first on Medika Life.

• The B.1.1.7 variant is a new strain of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19
• It is, according to emerging evidence, up to 50% more transmissible (infectious) than the original virus.
• There is no evidence to suggest it is more lethal (dangerous) than the original strain, but for reasons explained below, it may claim far more lives.
• It has already been found in ten states (76 cases) in the U.S. and will be the leading cause of Covid-19 in the U.S. by March

It’s getting difficult to keep up with all the names. SARS-CoV-2, Covid, Covid-19, and now the variants or strains. New strains were expected and many have already been identified. It’s what a virus does as it cycles through its various phases of evolution and in some ways, it’s encouraging to see the original virus keep to this well-established pattern of viral evolution. 

Adapting to thrive

It means we can, to a certain degree, predict where the SARS-CoV-2 virus will go next, and with the evolution of the new mRNA delivery mechanism for a vaccine, we can rapidly develop new vaccines to counter any new strains that prove resistant to the original vaccines and the antibodies they produce. Scientists continuously monitor and sequence the virus, looking for new variants and changes that tell us if the virus is evolving.

Typically, a virus will mutate as it spreads through a population, but with imperfect fidelity. It is a living organism with two purposes. Survival and reproduction, which, in the long run, is fortunate for us. The reasons for these adaptations are simple. It makes no sense for a virus to kill off all its hosts and it mutates in response to our body’s reactions to its presence. That would leave it with nowhere to go which can on occasion happen. 

To overcome this danger, typically many viruses will over time become more infectious. 

Often, coupled with this increase in infectiousness is a trade-off. A virus will shed some of its potency in exchange for mutations that allow it to be more easily spread. In other words, it becomes less “viral” or dangerous to those it infects. What that means to you and I is that over the course of a virus’s evolution, the effects of contracting the new variations of the virus will gradually lessen. In other words, it becomes less lethal to its host (us) to ensure its own survival.

This is a rule of thumb and not all viruses always obey this curve. There are outliers who will veer off and develop more deadly strains or combine with other strains to form new viruses. They are usually short-lived, if contained properly and caught early. This is the key to the effective control and destruction of a virus. Containment, and it’s one of the reasons Covid-19 has crippled us. We failed to contain the original strain.

What is B.1.1.7

Until the media come up with a more catchy name, B.1.1.7 is one of the new variants or strains of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and was first detected in the United Kingdom in late 2020. It is now spreading through the United States at an alarming rate and this article will examine what we currently know about it, how dangerous (viral) it appears to be, and how widespread it now is. 

We will also examine the efficacy of the current vaccines against this strain and why experts are concerned about B.1.1.7.

For readers interested in the specific genomic changes in the new variant, here is a quick summary. You can read a more detailed analysis here. The B.1.1.7 lineage accounts for an increasing proportion of cases in parts of England. The number of cases, and the number of regions reporting B.1.1.7 infections, are growing.

B.1.1.7 has an unusually large number of genetic changes, particularly in the spike protein. Three of these mutations have potential biological effects that have been described previously to varying extents:

• Mutation N501Y is one of six key contact residues within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and has been identified as increasing binding affinity to human and murine ACE2.
• The spike deletion 69–70del has been described in the context of evasion to the human immune response but has also occurred a number of times in association with other RBD changes.
• Mutation P681H is immediately adjacent to the furin cleavage site, a known location of biological significance.

According to a recent report this week from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), entitled Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage — United States, December 29, 2020–January 12, 2021, the CDC first became aware of this VOC(Variant of Concern) in December last year. You can read their assessment of the variant and its impact in the link above. Here is their lead statement along with relevant extracts.

A more highly transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.7, has been detected in 10 U.S. states.

As of January 13, 2021, approximately 76 cases of B.1.1.7 have been detected in 10 U.S. states.† Multiple lines of evidence indicate that B.1.1.7 is more efficiently transmitted than are other SARS-CoV-2 variants (1–3). The modeled trajectory of this variant in the U.S. exhibits rapid growth in early 2021, becoming the predominant variant in March.

The new strain has also been detected by testing in US wastewater plants, indicating how widespread it now is in the general population.

According to the CDC report, by March, and possibly sooner, this new variant will surpass the original virus as the leading cause of Covid-19 in the U.S., the disease that results from contracting SARS-CoV-2. It is far more infectious than the original strain, but is it less or as lethal as the original virus?

Lessons from the United Kingdom

Arguably, the best place to assess the potency of the U.K. variant is in the U.K. Their population has been exposed to it for far longer than in the U.S. and we can therefore form a reasonably strong case for the dangers associated with contracting B.1.1.7, allowing us to address the key question. Is it more or less viral(lethal) than its parent, the original SARS-CoV-2 virus?

Evidence to date from the U.K. suggests no difference in the viral effect of the variant when compared to the original strain. In other words, it doesn’t pose a greater or lesser risk to your health than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, so on that front, if you contract the variant or the original virus, your body stands the same sort of odds coping with either. There is still uncertainty about the impact of the new strain on children and young adults, and their vulnerability to it.

You might think that no change in the potency of the more infectious virus is a relief, but it actually isn’t and we will explain why below.

Transmission rates of B.1.1.7

Even with mitigation in place, in the U.K. the new variant has proven 50% more infectious than the original strain. Left to spread unchecked, if this had been the original strain, America would now be sitting with double the infected population and probably twice the number of dead.

The U.S. currently finds itself in a very precarious situation, with ICU beds in short supply and medical services strained to breakpoint, both in terms of resources and personnel. Even basics like oxygen are in short supply. Six months ago, if you developed serious complications from Covid-19, you could rely on access to care, a ventilator, and a bed in ICU. 

That is no longer a given and in some states, very sick Covid-19 patients evaluated as being beyond the reach of medicine, are often left at home to die. There simply aren’t enough resources to go around. Another spike on top of what the country is currently experiencing will break the camels back.

This factor alone makes the new variant far more dangerous to those who develop severe Covid-19 complications. The number of people and the age demographic for those developing serious symptoms is also shifting. Being young (below 50) no longer offers a ‘get out of jail free’ card. While not all cases are fatal, the long term effects, felt up to a year later, are proving debilitating in many healthy adults who contract Covid-19. The future financial impact of this group on the American economy has yet to be quantified, but it will be significant. 

Get sick from Covid-19 and there simply may not be any recourse to medical attention. You may end up dying at home. 

That is the major consideration that should be at the forefront of every American’s concern about contracting the virus and developing Covid-19 in 2021. We also don’t know for certain if contracting the first strain will stop you from cathing B.1.1.7. Americans have every reason to very concerned.

It is imperative, now more than ever, that you heed the advice of CDC and healthcare officials to stop the new variant delivering a death blow to healthcare services and killing another 800K Americans. Remember it is twice as infectious, and without access to medical help, deaths will soar.

Are the Covid-19 Vaccines effective against B.1.1.7?

This recent article from Nature explores this question in-depth and while some results are still outstanding (due in this week) initial findings look like we’ve managed to dodge a bullet and that the Pfizer vaccine will in fact offer protection against the variants. 

The first lab results are trickling in and many more are expected in the coming days, as researchers rush to probe the viral variants and their constituent mutations in cell and animal models of SARS-CoV-2, and test them against antibodies elicited by vaccines and natural infections. A preprint published on 8 January found that a mutation shared by both variants did not alter the activity of antibodies produced by people who received a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Data on other mutations and vaccines are expected soon.

“Both variants” refer to the South African variant, another new strain that has been shown to share the elevated levels of transmission enjoyed by B.1.1.7.

A Time for Action

It is very difficult to reach a public that has been exposed to months of Covid-19 rhetoric and denial, but it is imperative that authorities and the media get on board with this now and get the message out. The time for being diplomatic has passed and it is now time to speak the truth and highlight the treacherous road that lies ahead for America. A little educated fear instills the desire for self-preservation and encourages actions that we know slow the spread of the virus.

We need to slow the spread, now more than ever, to allow the painfully slow process of vaccination time to take effect in the population. Here’s the other worrying fact to emerge and highlighted in the CDC article referenced above. Previous figures for “herd immunity” from vaccination had been based on the original virus and now need to be re-assessed with the introduction of this new strain that increases the risk of transmission.

Higher vaccination coverage might need to be achieved to protect the public.

This will require time. We know how to slow down the virus and these steps are proven to slow the transmission in a population. This what we and every other American need to do NOW to buy healthcare and the country the time it needs. This has moved beyond politics and is now about survival and saving lives.

• Wear a mask! If you go out, if you are around other people, in crowds, in shopping centers, anywhere where you encounter strangers you do not live with, WEAR A MASK. Investing in a decent one, at least N95 or higher may very well save your life. Bandanas and cloth are not as effective, and while they are better than nothing, your life is well worth the few dollars a decent reusable maks will cost.
• Wash your hands frequently, sterilize your home, and try to reduce your physical contact with objects and people that may have been exposed to the virus.
• Mind the gap. Keep your distance and be anti-social for a little while. It’s not the end of the world and you won’t die from a little self-isolation. Covid-19, on the other hand, may kill you. We are strong and we are resilient, we have simply forgotten this in a society that panders to weakness, There is a multitude of ways to engage socially without the need for physical contact. Explore these and avoid people for a while, if you can. 
• Get vaccinated. Yesterday if possible. Pester your state’s health board, hound your governors, chase your mayors, make their lives a living hell until you’ve all been vaccinated. It’s your ticket back to normality and for the aged and at-risk, it’s a lifeline you cannot ignore. The longer we postpone vaccination, the greater the risk of yet more variants emerging and God forbid, an antigenic shift, the formation of an entirely new virus. 

A last thought, imparted, to those who may not be concerned by Covid-19 and think they are beyond the reach of the virus. If you or a loved one are involved in a traffic collision and require hospitalization, you might find yourself left outside the hospital, dying in the ambulance, assuming you could find one.

There may simply not be any beds left open. 

You may also think you’re not in an at-risk category, but as our experience with Covid-19 expands, so too does our understanding of the groups that are in danger from the disease. These groups are updated and expanded constantly and it would be to your benefit to keep up to date with these changes. Here is the latest extensive list, courtesy of the CDC. 

The SARS-CoV-2 virus affects all of us and we defeat it together or continue burying our loved ones. America, it really is all up to you now, to the people. When the dust settles, there will be no one else more accountable. Let’s all do our part.

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FORT COLLINS, Colo, /PRNewswire/ — GT Molecular, a leader in wastewater-based epidemiological testing, has reported the detection of hyper-transmissible SARS-CoV-2 from the B.1.1.7 lineage in three wastewater treatment plants in the United States. This is an additional piece of evidence that the UK variant or a UK variant-like strain is spreading in the United States. GT Molecular detected the strain using its highly sensitive digital PCR test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test is available immediately both as a fee-for-service and as a complete, ready-to-use PCR kit for testing labs.

“Molecular biologists from around the world have come together to advance wastewater-based epidemiological approaches over the last year. This is an excellent demonstration of the power of these approaches, wherein an entire community can be tested for the presence of a variant in a single sample in a matter of hours,” says, Dr. Rose Nash, Director of R&D at GT Molecular.

GT Molecular will continue to screen communities around the country for the presence of this variant in their community wastewater through their nationwide wastewater testing program. Additionally, GT Molecular will provide the molecular reagents they designed and optimized for this analysis to the greater wastewater-based epidemiology community.

“Our team continues to respond rapidly to this pandemic by releasing both a fee-for-service test for communities and an all-in-one PCR kit for testing labs for this dangerous variant,” says GT Molecular CEO Christopher McKee. “Our new analysis will allow communities and testing labs to quickly determine whether the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is present while giving health officials timely data to make decisions that can better help manage outbreaks.”

About GT Molecular

Whether for cancer, GMO or harmful pathogens, GT Molecular (GTM) is a leader in providing highly customizable, ultrasensitive digital PCR and qPCR tests for researchers and the Molecular Diagnostics community. GTM’s molecular app technology is an easy-to-use, end-to-end solution for rapid deployment and provides reliable and consistent measurements while detecting as little as 1-3 molecules of target nucleic acid.

The SARS-CoV-2 B1.1.7 (UK Variant) test is available immediately both as a fee-for-service and as a complete, ready-to-use PCR kit for testing labs.

ORDER & INFORMATION: info@gtmolecular.com 
970-498-1698

www.gtmolecular.com

SOURCE GT Molecular

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