Tropical Fever Panel – Early PCR Diagnosis in LMICs

Tropical Fever Panel: Early Diagnosis Saves Lives in LMICs

A Growing Challenge

Tropical fevers—from dengue and malaria to scrub typhus and enteric fever—continue to threaten public health in low- and middle‑income countries (LMICs) like India, where diagnostic delays often lead to severe outcomes.

A study in southern India showed high prevalence among febrile illnesses:

In another cohort, nearly 38% of undifferentiated fever cases had undetermined causes—highlighting the need for better diagnostic tools ACTM+1.

WHO Calls for Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently emphasized the urgent need for updated clinical guidelines for arboviral diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever—underscoring the importance of early medical intervention World Health Organization+2Nature+2.

Furthermore, WHO’s South-East Asia region, which includes India, remains highly endemic for dengue; robust public health systems are vital to reduce severe disease through timely diagnosis, proper referral, and case management World Health Organization.

Globally, dengue has doubled in burden over the past few decades—from ~26 million cases in 1990 to nearly 59 million in 2021, with deaths rising from ~14,300 to ~29,000 journals.plos.org.

Why Early & Accurate Diagnosis Matters

  • Symptom overlap: Dengue, typhoid, scrub typhus, and malaria often present similarly—making clinical diagnosis imprecise PubMed.

  • Syndromic management frameworks have been recommended in India to close these diagnostic gaps using rapid testing and algorithms PubMed.

  • Reducing misuse of antibiotics is essential to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in LMICs.

PCR: A Game-Changer in Disease Detection

Multiplex qPCR shines in accuracy and speed:

  • Detects pathogen DNA/RNA with high sensitivity, even in early stages.

  • Simultaneously targets multiple pathogens, ideal for complex tropical presentations.

  • Delivers faster results, enabling prompt, targeted treatment.

  • Reduces unnecessary empirical therapy, supporting WHO’s AMR goals.

Retro Biotech’s Role in Transforming Diagnosis

Retro Biotech is bridging the diagnostic gap with:

  • Tropical Fever Multiplex Panels—pre-mixed OSR (Open System Reagents) for major tropical pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

  • Compatibility with affordable, widely-used platforms (e.g., Quant Studio, 7500 Fast Dx, Bio-Rad CFX series).

  • Tube-based kits simplifying workflow—no extraction hassles, fast turnaround.

  • Kits engineered for LMIC labs: scalable, cost-effective, and robust.

By supporting early detection with PCR, Retro Biotech aligns with WHO and national health priorities to reduce morbidity, optimize treatment, and limit outbreaks.