Feluda Covid test

Why in news?

• An accurate and low-cost paper-based test strip to detect Covid-19 called Feluda has been approved for commercial launch by the Drugs Controller General of India.

About the test:

• Feluda is acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay.
• It uses indigenously developed CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
• According to CSIR, the test matches accuracy levels of RT-PCR tests, considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of Covid-19, has a quicker turnaround time and requires less expensive equipment.
•  ‘Feluda’ is also the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus.
•  Other CRISPR tests use CAS12 and CAS13 proteins to detect SARS-CoV2.

What is CRISPR technology?

• CRISPR, short form for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a gene editing technology and finds its use in correcting genetic defects and treating and preventing the spread of diseases.
• The CRISPR technology can detect specific sequences of DNA within a gene and uses an enzyme functioning as molecular scissors to snip it.
• It also allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.
• Moreover, the technology can also be configured for detection of multiple other pathogens in the future.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding “Feluda” test recently in news:
1.It is an Covid 19 test developed in India.
2.It uses CRISPR gene editing technology. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question