EXCERPT

In research published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Saint Louis University researchers describe a technology that can detect new, previously unknown viruses. The technique offers the potential to screen patients for viruses even when doctors have not identified a particular virus as the likely source of an infection.

In the new approach, scientists use blood serum as a biological source to categorize and discover viruses.

Taking advantage of the complete deciphering of the human genome, SLU researchers used a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach called transcriptome subtraction. With this process, the research team subtracted the entire human genetic sequence from the genetic material in the blood they were examining. By studying what remained, they were able to identify viral genetic material in the blood.

SOURCE

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-06/slu-slu061713.php

ARTICLE

Weihua Wanga, et al. 2013. "Viral categorization and discovery in human circulation by transcriptome sequencing". Biochem Biophys Res Commun (In Press). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.05.139