Dr. Charles Chiu, heading a team of 12 researchers at the University of California in San Francisco, has been working to develop a single test that could detect Ebola, as well as other microorganisms that cause hemorrhagic fevers.
Dr. Chiu anticipates that within the next few weeks, he will be able to incorporate noninfectious samples of Ebola into his research.
According to the CDC, Ebola has proven difficult to diagnose if a person has only been infected for a few days, because its early symptoms are also found in patients suffering from other conditions. Dr. Chiu is working to develop a test that would enable doctors to determine precisely what type of hemorrhagic fever a patient has contracted.
Chiu's test would also identify Ebola more quickly. He notes that early identification can save lives and points out that the Ebola test given to Dr. Martin Salia, who died of the disease, first came back negative. A test several days later was positive, but by then it was too late.
Although Chiu's research is, of necessity, focused on Ebola at the moment. He also notes that next year an entirely new fever could sweep the region, making a single, accurate test extremely valuable.
When Dr. Chiu has a test developed, UCSF officials could work with brochure printers to create a booklet describing the test, and make it available to physicians worldwide.
Location
496 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed