HaystackAnalytics Expands Infexn Test to Detect Respiratory RNA Viruses

Previously used to detect bacterial and fungal pathogens along with AMR in a single test, the Infexn-NGS test can now also identify respiratory RNA viruses.

HaystackAnalytics, a leading genomics-based diagnostics company, has expanded its Infexn test, which utilizes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, to include the detection of respiratory RNA viruses.

This upgrade enhances the test's ability to comprehensively detect bacteria, fungi, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), providing clinicians with a powerful diagnostic tool for infectious diseases.

Previously used to detect bacterial and fungal pathogens along with AMR in a single test, the Infexn-NGS test can now also identify respiratory RNA viruses.

According to the company, testing respiratory samples such as viral transport medium (VTM) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids enables clinicians to adopt a more holistic approach to antimicrobial stewardship (AMSP).

Instead of choosing a test for a specific suspected infection, a single Infexn-NGS test can screen for major RNA viruses, bacteria, fungi, and AMR.

Addressing the Global Burden of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases continue to be a significant public health issue, affecting millions worldwide. Respiratory viruses, in particular, present ongoing challenges in many regions.

Globally prevalent viruses such as Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2), Influenza B, Parainfluenza 3, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Adenovirus are major concerns.

In India, the burden of infectious diseases is especially high, with millions of people at risk daily. The country faces not only the lingering impact of COVID-19 but also a high incidence of other respiratory infections.

To combat these challenges, Indian hospitals and diagnostic centers are increasingly turning to advanced diagnostic technologies.

While antiviral treatments for some respiratory viruses remain limited, clinicians worldwide benefit from the accuracy and speed of comprehensive diagnostic methods.

HaystackAnalytics' expansion of the Infexn-NGS test to include respiratory RNA viruses represents a significant step toward hypothesis-free, universal infectious disease testing.

A Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosis

Dr Anirvan Chatterjee, Co-Founder of HaystackAnalytics, emphasized the importance of the test's expanded scope.

“By adding key RNA viruses to the already comprehensive NGS-based Infexn test, we continue to remain one of the world’s few deep-tech startups focused on enabling the judicious use of antibiotics and contributing to faster, better treatment outcomes,” he said in a statement.

The Infexn test, developed by HaystackAnalytics, leverages NGS to detect a wide range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, including rare and difficult-to-culture organisms, all within 24 hours.

This comprehensive approach enhances the healthcare ecosystem by providing clinicians with rapid, accurate diagnostic information, allowing for tailored patient care.

Global Relevance of Infexn-NGS Test

Designed and developed in India with a global application in mind, the Infexn test using NGS has quickly become a preferred diagnostic tool for detecting life-threatening infectious diseases.

Its ability to identify infections quickly and accurately positions it as a critical tool in the fight against emerging infectious agents. The test's versatility makes it an invaluable resource for clinicians, allowing them to detect a range of pathogens and inform more precise treatment plans.

Dr Mahua Dasgupta Kapoor, Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases) at HaystackAnalytics, highlighted the transformative impact of the expanded Infexn test on India's healthcare sector.

“We are proud to introduce this expanded capability of Infexn using NGS, which empowers clinicians to make more precise and timely decisions, especially during respiratory viral outbreaks that can complicate bacterial or fungal infections,” she said.

Dr Kapoor further noted that the company’s mission is to stay ahead of the evolving challenges in infectious diseases by integrating genome sequencing into everyday healthcare practices.

She believes this underscores genomics' transformative role in India’s healthcare sector and its potential to make advanced diagnostic tools more applicable, accessible, and affordable.

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