Specialists from the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor have created a rapid test for diagnosing mycoplasma infection. The new method allows obtaining results in just 25–30 minutes, which significantly speeds up the detection of the disease compared to classical PCR tests, which require 1.5–2 hours, the agency's press service reported.
Mycoplasma infection often causes respiratory diseases in children and adults, including upper respiratory tract inflammation and community-acquired pneumonia. The bacterium is transmitted by airborne droplets through contact with infected people, which makes timely diagnosis especially important.
Rapid diagnosis will allow earlier detection of infection cases, prompt treatment, and timely introduction of anti-epidemic measures during outbreaks
International practice shows that reducing the time to obtain test results significantly improves infection control. In several countries, rapid mycoplasma tests are already used in schools and polyclinics for rapid screening and prevention of the spread of the disease. The Russian development allows adapting such approaches to the domestic healthcare system.
Rapid diagnosis reduces the risk of complications, helps control outbreaks, and saves healthcare system resources.
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