In a groundbreaking achievement for precision diagnostics, HaystackAnalytics has successfully used its infexn NGS diagnostic test to identify a rare infection, Murine Typhus, in a 75-year-old patient from Kerala within just 20 hours.
In a press statement on Saturday, the company informed that the patient had been suffering from persistent body pain and fatigue for months, with traditional diagnostic tests, including those sent overseas, failing to pinpoint the cause.
Murine Typhus, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi and spread by fleas, was finally detected using the infexn NGS test developed by HaystackAnalytics, an Indian startup supported by the Make in India initiative. The result was validated by Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, marking a significant advancement in the diagnosis of elusive infections.
The patient had undergone extensive testing without results, leading to a substantial financial burden. After all other diagnostic avenues were exhausted, the treating physician turned to Haystack Analytics for answers. The infexn NGS test uses DNA sequencing to accurately identify pathogens, delivering results in 20 hours through a fully automated proprietary bioinformatic system. This rapid diagnosis enabled immediate and targeted therapy, leading to the patient’s swift recovery.
The infexn NGS test has proven to be a vital tool in diagnosing difficult-to-culture organisms and rare infections, such as Rickettsia typhi, which cannot be detected by conventional methods. This technology offers new hope for patients with undiagnosed health conditions, reducing medical costs by enabling personalized treatment.
Dr. Mahua Dasgupta Kapoor, Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases) at HaystackAnalytics, commented, “The rapid identification of Murine Typhus spared the patient from unnecessary treatments and facilitated timely medical intervention, leading to significant improvement in his condition.”
Dr. Sujeesh R, Head of Critical Care at SP Medifort, added, “The infexn test has transformed our diagnostic capabilities, allowing us to detect elusive infections quickly. In this case, it enabled us to adjust the treatment plan promptly and effectively.”
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