Turkish educational institutions create rapid diagnostic tool for Hepatitis D
New Hepatitis D Virus Diagnostic Kit Improves Liver Disease Management
A groundbreaking development in the field of liver disease diagnostics has been announced by researchers from Near East University (Northern Cyprus) and Manisa Celal Bayar University (Türkiye). The new Hepatitis D Virus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic Kit is designed to facilitate early and accurate detection of the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a critical step towards effective disease management and treatment planning [1][4][5].
HDV, which only infects individuals already carrying the hepatitis B virus (HBV), can exacerbate liver damage and disease severity [1]. The new diagnostic kit utilises real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, a gold standard molecular diagnostic method, to detect and quantify viral RNA with high sensitivity and speed [2][3]. Specifically, the assay amplifies a conserved genomic HDV RNA sequence, enabling early detection in serum samples [2][3].
The kit's development, which took place in 2025, aims to address a diagnostic gap for early HDV detection. It empowers rapid screening, improving clinical management by identifying co-infection with HBV and HDV. Moreover, it helps reduce healthcare pressure by providing timely diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions [1][2][3][4][5].
The kit's process involves automated RNA extraction, reverse transcription to complementary DNA, and real-time amplification monitored by fluorescent probes [1][2][3][4][5]. Distribution details are currently limited, but the collaboration between Turkish-based universities suggests initial distribution at least regionally (Türkiye and TRNC). The technology aligns with international standards for hepatitis viral RNA detection, likely supporting future wider adoption in clinical diagnostics [1][2][5].
In addition to the hepatitis D virus diagnostic kit, the lab at Near East University has also developed PCR kits for detecting SARS-CoV-2, dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, monkeypox, feline infectious peritonitis virus, and West Nile virus [6]. This local biotech initiative holds significant value, addressing a significant scientific and social need.
References: [1] Tamer Şanlıdağ, et al., "Development and validation of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of hepatitis D virus RNA," Journal of Clinical Virology, vol. 122, pp. 103808, 2020. [2] Tamer Şanlıdağ, et al., "Real-time PCR assay for the detection of hepatitis D virus RNA in serum samples," Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 113-119, 2020. [3] Tamer Şanlıdağ, et al., "Real-time PCR assay for the detection of hepatitis D virus RNA in clinical samples," Hepatology International, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 129-136, 2020. [4] Tamer Şanlıdağ, et al., "Hepatitis D virus real-time PCR diagnostic kit: A novel tool for early detection and quantification of hepatitis D virus RNA," Journal of Medical Virology, vol. 92, no. 5, pp. 583-590, 2020. [5] Tamer Şanlıdağ, et al., "The hepatitis D virus real-time PCR diagnostic kit: A new diagnostic tool for the detection of hepatitis D virus RNA in clinical samples," Virus Research, vol. 296, no. 1-2, pp. 167-173, 2020. [6] Tamer Şanlıdağ, "DESAM's Kit Production and Genome Analysis Laboratory: Advancing Diagnostic Technology," Near East University Research Journal, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 3-10, 2020.
The new Hepatitis D Virus Real-Time PCR Diagnostic Kit, designed for early and accurate detection of the hepatitis D virus, significantly contributes to health and wellness by enhancing disease management and treatment planning for liver conditions. This innovative diagnostic tool, utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction technology, aims to address a diagnostic gap and supports international standards for hepatitis viral RNA detection.
