How can we detect and contain vector-borne outbreaks before they spread? Discover how genomic surveillance and rapid molecular tools are strengthening Europe’s frontline response to viral threats like dengue, West Nile, and CCHF.
PREPARE-TID supported by Xpedite Diagnostics convened researchers and public health leaders for a timely webinar examining the spread of arboviruses across Europe, and the diagnostic innovations helping identify them earlier and more accurately.
The session, titled “Are we prepared? Emerging vector-borne viruses and diagnostic strategies for monitoring Europe’s next outbreak”, was part of the EU-funded PREPARE-TID consortium series and focused on scalable, field-ready solutions to monitor emerging pathogens under a One Health framework.
Featured speakers included:
- Prof. Luisa Barzon, University of Padova
- Dr. Andy Wende, Xpedite Diagnostics
- Prof. İlhan Çetin, Sivas Cumhuriyet University
Prof. Barzon opened with an overview of arbovirus transmission patterns in Europe, detailing outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in Italy and the expansion of West Nile virus. She highlighted diagnostic gaps in the field — from low viral loads to serological cross-reactivity — and emphasized the importance of genomic surveillance and timely vector control measures.
Dr. Wende followed with a technical presentation on the new Xpedite Diagnostics SwiftX™ Virus Kit, a rapid, six-minute RNA/DNA extraction solution designed for use in mobile labs and outbreak settings. He presented comparative validation data across multiple arboviruses — including dengue, chikungunya, and CCHFV — and previewed an upcoming CE-IVD version for clinical diagnostics.
Prof. Çetin closed with data from over two decades of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever surveillance in Turkey, where over 2,600 cases have been treated at his university hospital. He outlined risk factors, transmission pathways, and regional response efforts that may inform preparedness in southern and eastern Europe.
“From climate shifts to global travel, arboviruses are no longer tropical threats, they’re increasingly local. Diagnostic speed and sensitivity are critical,” said Dr. Wende, Co-founder and CEO of Xpedite Diagnostics.
The live Q&A explored topics including sample handling for RNA viruses, multiplex testing strategies, sequencing-based surveillance, and the challenges of early case detection in rural and endemic areas.
- Watch the full webinar recording here
- To request slides or explore collaboration opportunities, contact us here
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