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A Biotechnological Review on Patents Applied to Rubella Diagnosis
Jonatas Oliveira da Silva1, Michelli Dos Santos1, Ana Amélia Maia Silva1
1Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 355901-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
Background:
Rubella, caused by the Rubella virus (RV), is considered a mild self-limited illness. However, RV has teratogenic potential. Laboratory investigation plays an important role in both diagnosis and surveillance of the disease. The main methods for diagnosing Rubella are serological assays for the detection of specific IgM and molecular assays for detecting viral RNA. However, some laboratories perform IgG avidity testing, virus isolation and analysis of genetic sequence as tools to help Rubella eradication. The importance of the diagnosis of Rubella involves the appropriate treatment of the disease, because the Rubella clinical symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and the population monitoring to avoid new emergent cases. This study addresses different methods of diagnosing Rubella and contributes as a source of knowledge to assist health systems in controlling the disease.
Objective:
The main objective of this study was to review the available patents regarding Rubella diagnosis published in intellectual property databases, and provides an overview of the technologies available for the diagnosis of Rubella.
Method:
The search strategy was based on the keywords searched separately or together using a Boolean operator either in the patent title or abstract the time interval was restricted to patents filed or granted from January 2009 until February 2022. The database used was Google Patents.
Results:
This study analyzed 24 patent documents regarding strategies for the diagnosis of Rubella. Of these, 15 patents disclose strategies for detecting Rubella antibodies, 7 patents the detection of Rubella virus nucleic acid, and 2 patents the production of antibodies applied in Rubella diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Rubella is still a public health problem in some countries, mainly those in development, especially due to congenital Rubella syndrome, which can cause malformation or fetal death. However, its diagnosis is challenging, due to similarity of symptoms with other diseases, and for this reason, laboratory diagnosis is essential. Studies like this encourage researchers and governments to invest in research to continue the development of new products, using different areas of biotechnology, to solve society's problems, especially diseases that have an impact on global health, such as Rubella.
Insights
This study reviews patents on Rubella virus diagnosis, highlighting antibody and nucleic acid detection methods. Continued investment in biotechnology is crucial for developing new diagnostic tools to combat this public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Rubella virus (RV) infection, though often mild, poses teratogenic risks, necessitating accurate diagnosis and surveillance.
- Laboratory diagnostics, including serological and molecular assays, are vital for identifying Rubella and monitoring its spread.
- Challenges in Rubella diagnosis stem from symptom overlap with other diseases, underscoring the need for reliable laboratory methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review patents on Rubella virus diagnostic technologies.
- To provide an overview of available technological strategies for Rubella diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of Google Patents was conducted for Rubella diagnosis-related patents.
- Keywords were searched individually or combined using Boolean operators within patent titles or abstracts.
- The search was limited to patents filed or granted between January 2009 and February 2022.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 24 patent documents related to Rubella diagnosis.
- Fifteen patents focused on strategies for detecting Rubella antibodies.
- Seven patents addressed the detection of Rubella virus nucleic acid, and two patents involved antibody production for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Rubella remains a significant public health issue, particularly congenital Rubella syndrome in developing nations.
- Accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential due to overlapping symptoms with other illnesses.
- Further investment in biotechnological research is encouraged to develop advanced diagnostic products for global health challenges like Rubella.
