A rapid diagnostic test for ebola virus disease

Diagnostic methods to detect Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West Africa and worldwide have been limited to molecular techniques, specifically detecting viral RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bodily fluids. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) with high sensitivity would allow the identification and isolation of infected and infectious persons, thus preventing onward spread. Having RDTs available in remote or rural areas at risk of EVD could dramatically reduce the time from its introduction into a community to recognition of EVD and instigation of a public health response. This would limit subsequent people from becoming infected. Seven lateral flow assays are in various stages of validation and several look promising. Furthermore, closed system nucleic acid amplification tests offer exciting promise with minimal reagent and power needs, and minimal operator skill requirements. FilmArray methods offer the possibility of diagnosing multiple pathogens from a single sample.