Developing DNA-based schistosomiasis blood diagnostics at the point of care in community settings

在这个项目中，我们的目标是开发颠覆性技术，利用DNA或RNA签名，在低成本的纸基微流控检测格式上进行高度敏感和特异性的疾病诊断，供全球低资源社区使用。总体愿景是将传染性和非传染性疾病的核酸检测转化为侧流设备，以便在没有集中实验室设施的情况下使用。我们之前曾率先开展基于纸张的DNA检测，展示其在农村低资源环境中的应用，在这个项目中，我们的目标是与Global Access Diagnostics合作，探索制造解决方案，包括试剂盒设计，试剂存储和电源管理，以实现集成的检测流程。通过一个示例性的分析，我们将开发基于血液的LAMP扩增，用于检测血吸虫病的测试结果的光学或电化学输出。这种检测方法有可能解决公共卫生对血吸虫病诊断的需求，这种诊断方法适用于低资源环境，但可以与更复杂的检测方法的灵敏度和特异性相匹配。我们将在乌干达和/或坦桑尼亚的实地研究中探索设备的功效，与医疗保健专业人员和社区领导人合作，为检测的设计和操作提供信息。

In this project, we aim to develop disruptive technologies that enable highly sensitive and specific disease diagnosis, using DNA or RNA signatures, to be carried out on low-cost paper-based microfluidic assay formats, for use within low-resource communities, globally. The overall vision is to translate nucleic acid testing for both infectious and non-communicable diseases onto lateral flow devices, so that they can be used without centralised laboratory facilities. We have previously pioneered paper-based DNA testing, demonstrating its application in rural low-resource settings, and in this project our aim is, working with Global Access Diagnostics, to explore manufacturing solutions, including cassette design, reagent storage and power management, to enable an integrated assay flow. By way of an exemplar assay, we will develop blood based LAMP amplification with either optical or electrochemical outputs for test results to detect schistosomiasis. Such an assay has the potential to address the public health need for schistosomiasis diagnostics that are practical for use in low-resource settings yet can match the sensitivity and specificity of more complex assays. We will explore the efficacy of devices in field studies in Uganda and/or Tanzania, working with healthcare professionals and community leaders to inform the design and operation of the assay.