What is in the Tropical Panel?

The Tropical Panel is a one-step reverse transcription real-time PCR assay designed to detect a spectrum of pathogens responsible for tropical and mosquito-borne diseases. The assay identifies:

• Viruses: Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus
• Parasites: Plasmodium spp. (malaria)
• Bacteria: Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp., Rickettsia spp. (including Orientia tsutsugamushi)

Each tube is multiplexed to detect multiple targets simultaneously with high specificity using unique dye channels. The inclusion of both RNA and DNA targets allows detection across viral, bacterial, and parasitic classes from a single test workflow.

Role of Different Targets in Disease

Dengue Virus (DENV)

One of the most widespread arboviruses globally. While most infections are asymptomatic or mild, severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever with fatal outcomes. Accurate early detection is key to supportive care and vector control.

Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV)

Causes high fever and debilitating joint pain, often mistaken for dengue. Prevalent in India, Asia, and Africa, CHIKV detection helps reduce misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment delays.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

Often asymptomatic but can cause West Nile Fever or neuroinvasive disease such as encephalitis. Rapid PCR detection is crucial to prevent severe complications, especially in elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Zika Virus

Although symptoms are generally mild, Zika is linked to neurological complications and birth defects such as microcephaly. Molecular detection in suspected cases is essential for pregnancy management and public health response.

Plasmodium spp.

The causative agent of malaria, with P. falciparum being the deadliest. The Tropical Panel supports accurate identification of malaria from early febrile stages, especially in endemic or travel-related cases.

Rickettsia spp.

Tick- and mite-borne bacteria responsible for rickettsial fevers. Symptoms overlap with dengue and leptospirosis. Molecular confirmation aids appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevents complications such as pneumonitis and myocarditis.

Salmonella spp.

Responsible for typhoid fever and gastroenteritis, particularly in developing regions. Early detection helps guide antimicrobial therapy and infection control.

Leptospira spp.

Leptospirosis presents with flu-like symptoms and can progress to multi-organ failure. The pathogen is waterborne and often misdiagnosed. Early identification improves prognosis significantly.

Together, these targets form a comprehensive fever panel ideal for differential diagnosis in tropical and subtropical settings.

About the TRUPCR® Tropical Fever Panel Kit

The TRUPCR® Tropical Panel Kit is a CE-IVD compliant in vitro diagnostic tool based on real-time PCR, optimized for clinical use in fever screening. It features:

• Three multiplexed tubes for simultaneous pathogen detection
• Hot-start PCR technology for enhanced accuracy
• Internal control to monitor sample extraction and reaction performance
• No cross-reactivity with other pathogens, ensuring true results
• Compatible with major qPCR instruments (Applied Biosystems, Bio-Rad, Qiagen, etc.)

The assay detects conserved regions of each organism’s genome, providing broad coverage across strains and subtypes. It is designed to be both highly sensitive and reproducible across varied clinical settings.

Principle and Workflow

Workflow Summary of the Tropical Panel:

1. Sample Collection & Extraction
   Whole blood or urine samples are processed using standard nucleic acid extraction kits.
2. Multiplex PCR Setup
   Aliquots of the extracted nucleic acid are distributed into three reaction tubes, each containing pathogen-specific primers, probes, and master mix with hot-start polymerase.
3. Reverse Transcription and Amplification
   The assay performs a one-step RT-PCR for RNA viruses and standard PCR for DNA targets in a single reaction. Real-time detection uses fluorescence signals specific to each pathogen.
4. Result Interpretation
   Ct values are analyzed to determine presence or absence of each pathogen. Internal control (IC) must amplify in all samples to validate results.

The simplified workflow allows high-throughput screening of febrile illnesses with minimal hands-on time.

Clinical Application

The Tropical Panel is ideally suited for:

• Hospitals in tropical regions dealing with undiagnosed fever
• Outbreak response labs managing arboviral epidemics
• Travel clinics and emergency rooms screening for imported infections
• Military and humanitarian health centers in high-risk zones
• Reference labs for rapid differential diagnosis of malaria-like syndromes

By consolidating detection of multiple fever-causing agents into one assay, this panel saves time, resources, and supports timely, targeted therapy. It is a valuable tool in reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient care in resource-limited and high-disease-burden areas.