Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market is Growing Rapidly with Hologic Inc. completing the acquisition of Diagenode, a molecular diagnostic company, for US$ 159 million

 

Meningitis is a viral infection caused by the same bacteria that causes common colds. When contagious disease occurs in close quarters, it is termed as meningitis and the disease is contagious when no symptoms are present (as in children and the elderly). However, meningitis can also be caused by bacterial meningitis or viral meningitis. Hence, meningitis diagnostic testing should be done to confirm the presence of meningitis. Although it is a rare disease, cases of meningitis have been on a rise for some time. As per World Health Organization (WHO), around 5% to 10% of patients die typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms despite having an early diagnosis and getting adequate treatment. Such high mortality rate has increased the demand for meningitis diagnostic testing worldwide. It has become imperative that patients with early symptoms are diagnosed immediately and are provided with the necessary treatment to avoid the loss of life.

Since there is a major loss of life even after getting treatment, the demand for advanced meningitis diagnostic testing tools is on the rise. These devices are typically used for sensitive reports and accurate diagnostics, which can possibly save the lives of many people. Meningitis diagnostic testing can be done on patients suspected of having meningitis. Meningitis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual activity, or location. Some of the common symptoms of meningitis include fever, low-grade fever, headaches, muscle aches, and neck stiffness.

The most reliable method for diagnosing meningitis is by performing a serological test. A serological test, or antibody titer test, is a form of immunoglobulin assay that detects antibodies against the meningitis virus. Such tests are conducted on specimens from the throat or the nose of possible cases of meningitis. However, there are also some serological tests that can be performed on mucus samples from the throat of patients. That being said, manufacturers of diagnostic testing devices face stringent regulatory compliances, which makes it challenging for them to launch new products in the market. Besides, in emerging economies, there is low awareness regarding advanced diagnostic laboratories, which can impede the meningitis diagnostic testing market.

Some other promising meningitis diagnostic testing for adults includes polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and transcription-mediated amplification (TMA). Polymerase chain reactions are an efficient method of generating specific DNA fragments that can be used for genetic analysis. TMA involves repeated cycles of amplification of the DNA strands with restriction enzymes. Although these methods have not yet been widely adopted in clinical practice, they are considered to be cost-effective and reliable for the diagnosis of meningitis in children. The U.S. reports around 2,600 sporadic cases of bacterial meningitis each year, which is why there is a high meningitis diagnostic testing market. 

Recently, in March 2021, Hologic Inc., a medical technology company, acquired Diagenode, a molecular diagnostic company that develops diagnostic assays for meningitis, respiratory disease, etc., for US$ 159 million.