The H5N1 virus has infected more than 385 people till now. This deadly strain has taken life of 243 people.

Indonesia has been worst affected by this virus. Around 108 people have lost their lives in Indonesia due to this virus. H5N1 virus is basically a virus of bird, but scientists fear that it can mutate into a virus that can spark a pandemic.

Bird flu strain can be detected within two to three days. But in places like Indonesia and Vietnam, detection of bird flu virus can take more than a week. Sad thing is that such areas are the worst affected areas. This disease can be treated successfully in earlier stages.

The International team of researchers is developing a device that will diagnose this virus within a few hours. The device is designed to pick up all types of flu — including the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

This machine will be developed in two formats. Researchers are developing a portable briefcase-sized version for the detection of this virus in field. The other form will be developed the size of a desktop computer for international border points, hospitals and GPs’ surgeries. This device works by scanning swabs containing saliva or a tissue sample from birds or animals, before identifying if it is infected with bird flu and if so which strain is present.

This team included researchers from Nottingham Trent University includes Biosensia (Ireland), Cirad (France), VIB (Belgium), Ikerlan (Spain), Gaiker (Spain) and the Basque Foundation for Health Innovation and Research (Spain).researchers are hopeful that this machine will be ready for use by December 2010.

Researchers affirm that this machine will save many lives by early detection of this disease. The portable version of this machine can be used in remote areas to detect the virus. This on the support detection of virus will control spread of this disease.