Bosch Healthcare Solutions Introduces World’s First Fully Automated PCR Test for Detection of B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, B. holmesii
Waiblingen – Bosch Healthcare Solutions (BHCS) has made a groundbreaking development in the field of medical testing with the introduction of the Vivalytic Bordetella PCR test. This revolutionary test is the first of its kind and can specifically detect and differentiate three major whooping cough pathogens – B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. holmesii – in under an hour.
The Vivalytic Bordetella test is designed for near-patient testing, making it ideal for use in local healthcare facilities. Previously, detecting these pathogens required a larger test panel, resulting in a longer wait time for results. With the Vivalytic test, healthcare providers can now have rapid and accurate diagnosis at their fingertips.
Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions, explains the importance of this breakthrough: “Vivalytic Bordetella is our response to the rising number of pertussis cases in Germany. Prompt treatment is crucial for Bordetella infections, as the course and severity of the cough can only be mitigated if antibiotic therapy begins early. Moreover, initiating antibiotic treatment promptly and specifically can halt the disease’s transmission by breaking the infection chain.”
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be life-threatening, particularly for infants, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the disease and preventing its spread.
The Vivalytic Analyser, which enables rapid diagnosis of B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. holmesii, is user-friendly and requires only a brief training session for medical staff. The collected sample is placed into a test cartridge, which already contains all necessary reagents. The cartridge is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyser for automatic processing, and the test result is shown on the display.
The rising number of pertussis cases in Germany, with over 11,000 cases reported by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) by the end of July 2024, makes the case for rapid testing even stronger. The trend is expected to continue, as Germany, along with Poland and Austria, reports some of the highest case numbers. This surge is attributed to diminished immunity from coronavirus protection measures and a reduced vaccination rate against pertussis.
The Vivalytic Bordetella test is also unique in its composition of pathogens, as it can detect all three major whooping cough pathogens in one test. This includes B. holmesii, which is less virulent than B. pertussis but can still cause milder, shorter-lasting pertussis-like symptoms.
BHCS is now offering the Vivalytic Bordetella test through distribution partners such as Randox Laboratories and R-Biopharm. This groundbreaking development is a significant step towards better and more efficient diagnosis of respiratory diseases, especially during the upcoming cold and flu season.
Bosch Healthcare Solutions is a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, with a mission to develop products and services that improve people’s health and quality of life. With the Vivalytic Bordetella test, Bosch is once again harnessing its core competencies in sensors, software, and services to provide innovative solutions for the healthcare industry.
For more information, please visit:
www.bosch-healthcare.com
www.vivatmo.com
www.bosch-vivalytic.com
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.