Krasnoyarsk scientists have developed a quick test for encephalitis in ticks

Krasnoyarsk scientists have found a way to quickly determine the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus. To do this, they use bioluminescence, that is, the ability of living organisms to glow. This was reported at the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the SB RAS.

Now checking a tick for encephalitis usually takes about a day. A new test in the future could reduce this time to just a few minutes. Based on the principle of application, the development may be similar to the rapid tests that are currently used to measure blood sugar. This will allow you to quickly understand whether there is a risk of infection and seek medical help in time.

The method is based on a protein isolated from sea crustaceans. It was divided into two parts. Individually they do not glow, but when combined, a bioluminescent signal appears.

“We made one part with a mini-antibody, and the other part with a protein that is on the surface of the tick-borne encephalitis virus,” said Vasilisa Krasitskaya, senior researcher at the Institute of Biophysics SB RAS.

Scientists expect that in the future such a test can be used not only in the laboratory, but also in the field. For example, right during a trip to nature or after discovering a tick.