KRIVIDA TRIVUS developed by Chennai-based KRIYA Medical technologies has received approval from ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The RT-qPCR kit can detect the presence or absence of three pathogens - Influenza (H1N1, H3N2,Yamagata and Victoria sublineages), SARS CoV2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The three pathogens have similar initial symptoms but differ in how the illness progresses, how easily they spread, and how they are treated. The kit helps identify which pathogen is causing the respiratory

KRIVIDA TRIVUS detects the specific virus causing a respiratory infection. Identifying the specific virus that is causing the infection can help clinicians understand the likely outcomes and how the patient will do. For example, an infant with SARS-CoV-2 has a good prognosis, but one with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) may develop severe inflammation of the lungs called bronchiolitis. If there is a co-infection or if multiple viruses are present, it may signal a worse outcome and a higher chance of developing severe pneumonia.

Anu Moturi, CEO and Founder, KRIYA Medical Technologies, said, “I would like to thank ICMR for their prompt and timely validation of KRIVIDA TRIVUS. Over the last several weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of H3N2 cases, as well as a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections in the country. We need a test that can clearly differentiate between these infections and help doctors create the right treatment plan. At KRIYA, we are committed to developing solutions that address challenging healthcare delivery problems. We recognize the importance of identifying the presence of viral pathogens causing respiratory illness and we understand the gaps that currently exist in the diagnostic stage. KRIVIDA TRIVUS can play a significant role in addressing these gaps and help clinicians with the right diagnosis”

Commenting on the kit, Dr. Shanmuga Priya, Head of Research and Development, Kriya Medical Technologies, said, “Common respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, RSV infection, COVID-19, and allergies share similar symptoms like cough, sneezing, weakness, breathlessness, and fever. However, each of these illnesses has a different clinical course and management protocol. Since these illnesses cannot be accurately distinguished from each other based on symptoms alone, there is a critical need for an easy and accurate method to identify the specific viral cause of the infection. It is essential to detect these infections since coinfections are possible. Our product is designed to detect presence or absence of all three pathogens. Given the current scenario of surge in both COVID and Flu, the conventional RT PCR kits which detect just the presence or absence of SARS CoV2 should be replaced by KRIVIDA Trivus, as it provides a more meaningful report about not just the presence or absence of these infections but also about coinfections, as these are often severe and they require a syndromic approach in management.”