What Is the Dengue, Chikungunya & Zika PCR Panel?

The iCassette Dengue, Chikungunya & Zika PCR Panel is a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay designed for the simultaneous detection of three significant mosquito-borne viruses: Dengue virus (DENV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). This test is intended for use on human serum samples, offering an efficient and automated solution for differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses in endemic or outbreak-prone regions. The inclusion of internal quality controls in every test ensures consistent performance and increased diagnostic confidence.

Role of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika in Disease

These three viruses share overlapping clinical symptoms, such as fever, rash, and joint pain, but differ significantly in their long-term complications and public health implications:

• Dengue infection can lead to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, especially in secondary infections.
• Chikungunya often causes debilitating joint pain that can persist for months.
• Zika is linked to congenital abnormalities such as microcephaly and other neurological disorders in newborns.

Accurate and early differentiation between these infections is crucial for proper patient management, surveillance, and outbreak response.

About the Dengue/Chikungunya/Zika Diagnostic Kit (PCR-Fluorescence)

The diagnostic kit consists of 12 single-use iCassettes pre-loaded with lyophilized PCR reagents and nucleic acid extraction chemistry. Each cassette includes specific primers and fluorescent probes targeting the E2 gene of CHIKV, the 3’NC gene of DENV, and the E gene of ZIKV. An internal pseudovirus control monitored through the CY5 channel ensures each run’s integrity.

Two versions of the kit are available to suit different lab needs: one optimized for 200 µL sample input and the other for 900 µL, providing flexibility for workflows and sample volumes. Both versions deliver high sensitivity (LOD: 1×10^3 copies/mL) and high specificity without cross-reactivity with other arboviruses.

Principle and Workflow

The assay is run on the Galaxy Lite or Galaxy Pro automated qPCR systems using iCassette technology. The workflow is streamlined into a fully enclosed, contamination-minimized process:

1. Sample Addition – Serum is added directly to the iCassette.
2. Automated Extraction & PCR – Nucleic acid extraction and amplification are carried out in one step.
3. Fluorescent Detection – Target-specific probes emit fluorescence for each virus:
   • DENV: FAM channel
   • CHIKV: HEX channel
   • ZIKV: TEXAS RED channel
   • Internal control: CY5 channel
4. Result Analysis – The system automatically interprets Ct values and amplification curves.

Run time is optimized for efficient throughput, and the self-contained format minimizes handling and cross-contamination.

Clinical Application

This panel is designed for clinical labs and public health institutions requiring a reliable method to differentiate arboviral infections during outbreaks or routine diagnostics. It is especially relevant in tropical and subtropical regions where co-circulation of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika is common. The multiplex format conserves reagents, reduces turnaround time, and enables informed treatment decisions.

The test is intended as a qualitative aid for diagnosis and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory data.