Laboratoires Abbott Cie

SAHPRA Approves First WHO-Listed Mpox Diagnostic Test as South Africa Reports 31 Cases

11 hours ago

• The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the Alinity m MPX assay, the first WHO Emergency Use Listed mpox diagnostic test, marking a significant milestone in expanding testing access during the ongoing outbreak. • South Africa has reported 31 confirmed mpox cases since May 2024, including six new infections and three deaths in 2025, as the country strengthens its response to the viral disease. • The real-time PCR test detects monkeypox virus DNA from nasal or skin lesion swabs and is designed for use by trained laboratory personnel, addressing critical diagnostic gaps in the region. • SAHPRA's swift approval leverages WHO's Emergency Use Listing process, demonstrating regulatory agility and positioning South Africa as a leader in regional health security amid the continental outbreak.

Machine Learning Identifies Serological Predictors of COVID-19 Outcomes

6 months ago

• A study of hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients used machine learning to identify key serological markers associated with disease severity. • Higher levels of binding antibodies, complement activation, and ACE2 inhibition were correlated with reduced risk of intubation or death. • Random forest models demonstrated that serological data, combined with demographics, improved prediction of COVID-19 outcomes. • The findings offer insights into immune responses and potential targets for therapeutic interventions in severe COVID-19 cases.