Microscopic view of SERS nanotags detecting disease antigens in the bloodstream.

Fever Alert: A New Rapid Test to Tell Ebola from Malaria

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"This innovative point-of-care diagnostic could revolutionize how we handle outbreaks of deadly hemorrhagic fevers in regions where similar illnesses are common."

Imagine a world where a simple fever could mean any number of dangerous diseases. This is the reality in many parts of the world, particularly in areas where outbreaks of deadly hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola occur alongside common illnesses like malaria. The challenge? Early symptoms are often strikingly similar, making accurate diagnosis based on clinical signs alone incredibly difficult.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016 underscored the urgent need for better diagnostic tools. Traditional methods like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are highly accurate but require specialized labs and trained personnel – resources often scarce in outbreak zones. While rapid tests exist, they often lack the ability to differentiate between multiple diseases presenting with similar symptoms.

Now, researchers are offering a promising solution: a new point-of-care diagnostic test that can quickly distinguish between Ebola, Lassa fever, and malaria using a single blood sample. This innovative approach uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect antigens from each disease, providing results in under 30 minutes. Let's dive into how this technology works and why it could be a game-changer for outbreak response.

How Does the SERS Diagnostic Work?

Microscopic view of SERS nanotags detecting disease antigens in the bloodstream.

The SERS-based diagnostic hinges on a clever use of nanotechnology. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

Gold Nanoparticles (Nanotags): These tiny particles form the core of the detection system. They're coated with a Raman reporter, a molecule that scatters light in a unique way. This scattering is enhanced by the gold, making the signal much stronger and easier to detect.

Silica Shell: The gold nanoparticle and Raman reporter are encased in a silica shell. This shell acts as a protective barrier, preventing the reporter from detaching and blocking unwanted signals from the blood sample.
Antibodies: The silica shell is coated with antibodies that are specific to antigens (proteins) from Ebola, Lassa fever, or malaria. These antibodies act like tiny hooks, grabbing onto the target antigens if they're present in the sample.
Magnetic Microparticles: These particles are also coated with the same antibodies, creating a "sandwich" effect. When the target antigen is present, it binds to both the SERS nanotag and the magnetic microparticle.

The Process: The test is remarkably simple. A blood sample is mixed with the SERS nanotags and magnetic microparticles. If the target antigens are present, they form a sandwich complex. A magnet then pulls the magnetic microparticles (and any sandwich complexes) to the side of the tube. Finally, a laser scans the side of the tube, reading the SERS signal. The intensity of the signal indicates the amount of each antigen present, allowing for a clear diagnosis.

Why This Matters

This new SERS-based diagnostic offers several key advantages:

Speed and Simplicity: Results are available in under 30 minutes, and the test requires minimal training and equipment.

Multiplexing: The ability to test for multiple diseases simultaneously is crucial in areas where overlapping infections are common. Cost-Effectiveness: The potential for low-cost production makes this test accessible to resource-limited settings. Temperature Stability: The reagents are designed to be stable at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for refrigeration. While further research is needed, including real-world testing during outbreaks, this SERS technology holds tremendous promise for improving our ability to diagnose and respond to deadly infectious diseases. It’s a significant step toward a future where a simple fever doesn’t have to be a terrifying mystery.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat0944, Alternate LINK

Title: A Point-Of-Care Diagnostic For Differentiating Ebola From Endemic Febrile Diseases

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Science Translational Medicine

Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Authors: David Sebba, Alexander G. Lastovich, Melody Kuroda, Eric Fallows, Joshua Johnson, Ambroise Ahouidi, Anna N. Honko, Henry Fu, Rex Nielson, Erin Carruthers, Cyrille Diédhiou, Doré Ahmadou, Barré Soropogui, John Ruedas, Kristen Peters, Miroslaw Bartkowiak, N’Faly Magassouba, Souleymane Mboup, Yanis Ben Amor, John H. Connor, Kristin Weidemaier

Published: 2018-12-12

Everything You Need To Know

How does the new test work?

The new diagnostic test leverages Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. It uses Gold Nanoparticles coated with a Raman reporter and encased in a Silica Shell. Antibodies specific to Ebola, Lassa fever, and malaria antigens are attached to the Silica Shell. Magnetic Microparticles, also coated with the same antibodies, create a 'sandwich' effect when the target antigen is present. A blood sample is mixed with the Nanotags and Microparticles. A magnet then pulls the magnetic microparticles and any sandwich complexes to the side of the tube. A laser then scans the tube, reading the SERS signal to identify and quantify the disease.

Why is this new test important?

This test is crucial because it addresses the challenge of differentiating diseases with similar symptoms, such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and malaria. Early symptoms of these diseases can be very alike, making it tough to diagnose them based on clinical signs alone. The Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 highlighted the need for effective diagnostic tools. The new test offers a rapid, accurate diagnosis, improving outbreak response by providing quick identification of diseases.

What are the key components of the new diagnostic test?

The main components are Gold Nanoparticles (Nanotags), which are coated with a Raman reporter. This Raman reporter then scatters light uniquely, enhancing the signal. The gold is then encased in a Silica Shell, a protective barrier. The Silica Shell is coated with antibodies, which are specific to Ebola, Lassa fever, or malaria antigens. The test also uses Magnetic Microparticles, also coated with these same antibodies, creating a 'sandwich' complex when the target antigen is present.

What is Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and how does it work in this test?

The test uses Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to identify diseases. This method detects antigens from Ebola, Lassa fever, and malaria. The technology uses the interaction of light with molecules to identify diseases present in a sample. The intensity of the SERS signal indicates the amount of each antigen present, enabling accurate diagnosis within 30 minutes. This rapid detection is a significant advantage over traditional methods, such as PCR, which take more time and require specialized facilities.

What are the advantages of this new test over existing methods?

Traditional methods like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are accurate but need special labs and trained staff, which can be limited in outbreak zones. While rapid tests exist, they often can't distinguish between multiple diseases with similar symptoms. The new SERS-based test is a better option as it can quickly distinguish between Ebola, Lassa fever, and malaria in just 30 minutes. This speed and accuracy are vital for controlling outbreaks, as timely diagnosis guides prompt treatment and containment measures, potentially saving lives and limiting the spread of these diseases.