With the recent emergence and re-emergence of viral infectious agents in Africa (Ebola virus), the Americas (Zika virus and Chikungunya virus) and Asia (SARS virus) making the headlines, there is growing alarm over their spread and lack of treatment options. The Zika virus is of particular concern, as it has been associated with an increased incidence of fetal microcephaly and is expected to spread through much of South and North America. Already the first instance of Zika virus transmission has been reported in the United States. Currently, there are no treatments or vaccines against the virus and governments are announcing intentions to increase funding for research.
An important component for the geographic spread of Zika would ultimately be with the associated vector mosquitos, and increased research into the molecular and biological transmission by vector mosquitos could also foreseeably be required.
In this application note, we discuss optical imaging as a high-throughput means of evaluating viral, bacterial, protozoan and helminth infectious disease agents in small animals.
Download the full application note.
