Optical/X-Ray Imaging Potential for Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Infectious Disease Research

This application note describes how use of optical/X-ray imaging is going to be expanded in response to the recently increased threat of viral infectious agents. Emergence and re-emergence of viral infectious agents in Africa (Ebola virus), the Americas (Zika virus and Chikungunya virus) and Asia (SARS virus), has lead to some governments announcing intentions to increase funding for research into the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for emerging viruses. Optical imaging has provided a high-throughput means of evaluating viral, bacterial, protozoan and helminth infectious disease agents in small animals. Reporters for optical in vivo detection of infectious agents, host immune response and detection of normal animal physiology have been reported and utilized in studies to evaluate therapeutic response for candidate vaccine and drug agents, as well as in studies of host-infectious agent interactions.