Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In Goa, amidst the rising concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Manipal Hospital has emerged as the sole facility offering testing for this respiratory virus, with results available within an hour. This rapid testing is facilitated by the Biofire multiplex PCR platform, which is part of a comprehensive Pneumonia panel that simultaneously tests for 27 pathogens, including bacteria, atypical bacteria, and viruses such as Coronavirus and Influenza A/B.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a medical expert at Manipal Hospital, highlighted the importance of this testing facility. “The Biofire multiplex PCR platform allows us to provide reports within an hour, and it operates as a 24-hour testing facility,” he explained. However, the cost of the test is significant, amounting to Rs 18,000 due to the expensive reagents used.
HMPV infection, which presents symptoms similar to influenza, is a viral infection that requires careful management. Dr. Salkar emphasized that children and adults with respiratory symptoms must take extra precautions. “The treatment for HMPV is symptomatic, and antibiotics are only necessary if a secondary infection occurs,” he noted.
The high cost of the test, despite its rapid turnaround, is justified by its ability to prevent the unnecessary use of costly antibiotics. As the medical community waits to see how HMPV spreads in the coming weeks, Dr. Salkar’s advice is clear: vigilance and proper testing are key to managing this viral infection.
