Qiagen extends partnership with Bio-Manguinhos to enhance dengue, malaria detection in Brazil’s national screening programmes

Qiagen, a Netherlands-based company, is expanding its partnership with Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz, Brazil's leading provider of vaccines and diagnostics for the Ministry of Health. This collaboration, which began in 2009, initially supported testing for HIV and hepatitis C. With the expansion, Bio-Manguinhos can now introduce a PCR-based molecular screening platform for malaria, complementing its existing capabilities for HIV and hepatitis B and C. This advancement will enhance Brazil’s blood donation program and improve public health outcomes, particularly in light of the ongoing dengue outbreak.

Qiagen will supply essential molecular biology technologies and training, crucial for Brazil's national blood screening initiative, which processes 3.5 million samples annually. The NAT Plus platform now includes the ability to detect Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. Bio-Manguinhos has been pivotal in vaccine and diagnostic production, supporting Brazil's public health and exporting vaccines globally.