Abstract: The present disclosure associates to a modified and expressed virus-like particles. Particularly, the virus-like particle is capable of eliciting immune response in a mammal upon administrating a pharmaceutically efficient dosage to the mammal. The virus-like particle comprises a modified form of M and E structural proteins of flavivirus. Further, the virus-like particle comprises an amino acids sequence substantially corresponding to a sequence setting forth in SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO. 2, SEQ ID NO. 3 or SEQ ID NO. 4, wherein conserved and internally located His at multiple positions of the M and E proteins are substituted with uncharged residues, and other secretion-enhancing substitutions are introduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (?4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.