U.S. Infectious Diseases: Sexually Transmitted Disease Diagnostics Markets

Limited Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Stunts the Growth of a Dynamic Market

The asymptomatic nature of many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) retards growth of the infectious disease diagnostic markets. Individuals generally undergo screening only if signs and symptoms of infection surface, which minimizes routine, voluntary screening. The Center for Disease Control estimates that nearly 3.9 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and 25,000 individuals are diagnosed with hepatitis C annually. Yet, identification is prevented by the fact that nearly 80 percent of those infected have few if any signs or symptoms. Only the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has remained in the spotlight through educational initiatives, but other diseases have not had this kind of media attention that results in support and prevention.

This new research from Frost & Sullivan analyzes the U.S. Infectious Disease Diagnostics Markets, segmented as follows: HIV, HCV, Chlamydia/Gonorrhea, and the emerging market, Human Papilloma Virus diagnostics. The report provides strategic analysis and forecasts, discusses drivers and restraints, competitive environment, and industry trends.

Novel Technologies and Diagnostic Products Significantly Impact Healthcare and Create Niche Markets

"The adaptation of existing technologies and the development of novel assays will drive the infectious disease diagnostics market in the future", says the analyst of this report. An increased level of response from the industry to deal with emerging infectious disease agents has created methods such as HIV and HCV genotyping. This has been cited as an important tool for recognizing the strains of virus that will be responsive to treatment.

The availability and efficacy of antiviral treatment, such as drug cocktails, has significantly prolonged the life expectancy of persons diagnosed with HIV. This has led to a growing population of patients that require routine viral monitoring to gauge treatment effectiveness. Companies are expected to increase revenues with the introduction of expanded testing menus, including West Nile Virus and Parvo assays.

Technological Innovation of Molecular Diagnostic Products Drives Sales

The specificity of molecular diagnostic products, and the added information they provide encourages their use as confirmatory and supplemental tests. Growing acceptance and employment of these diagnostic assays is expected to contribute directly to the increase in revenues.

Molecular diagnostic methods have also been used to detect different strains of HIV (genotyping), and can aid therapy by monitoring the effectiveness of treatment through observation of a patient's viral load over time. The remarkable sensitivity of molecular tests makes them ideal for blood screening, however; the lack of full automation and cost-related issues have contributed to the continued reliance on immunological testing methods. The developing SARS outbreak, coupled with the need for identifying emerging diseases, signifies a growing need for both testing platforms.