Dual HIV/ Syphilis POC Tests: Their Importance in Low to Middle Income Countries
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases across the world are an ever present and ever-increasing issue, not only to adults but to a foetus. Two diseases of particular importance are HIV and Syphilis (caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum). How big a threat are STIs in today’s world? The most recent figures show that in the US, Syphilis cases have tripled between 2013 and 2018 , which includes 5,726 pregnant women. Between 2008...
BK Virus: What is it and why is it a problem?
BK polyomovirus (BKV) is a double stranded DNA virus that affects 65-90% of the adult population. Commonly a childhood infection with minimal symptoms, this virus can exist in a latent form in the renal system for a lifetime. Its significance arises if an individual becomes immunocompromised such as for recipients of kidney or bone marrow (stem cell hematopoietic) transplants (HCT). Under these circumstances tests for BKV are essential to prevent...
