A Rapid Paper Strip Nucleic Acid Test for the Detection of Chikungunya at the Point of Care

A Rapid Paper Strip Nucleic Acid Test for the Detection of Chikungunya at the Point of Care CrossLife Technologies Inc Project Summary Abstract Chikungunya viruses CHIKV are one of the most dangerous and significant pathogens in the world These mosquito borne viruses cause periodic explosive epidemics in many tropical and sub tropical countries In an outbreak of Chikungunya CHIK has spread across the Americas Early and rapid detection of CHIKV infection during the febrile period is crucial for proper patient management and containment of the disease Current methods of CHIK molecular detection involve the use of RT PCR instruments in the laboratory which may not be available in most dengue endemic countries Moreover current CHIK POC ELISA diagnostics lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity An easy to perform and highly sensitive method is needed for routine implementation especially in the resource limited rural healthcare settings where CHIK is endemic Therefore we will develop a sensitive nucleic acid POC paper dipstick test capable of detecting and identifying the CHIKV CrossLife Technologiesandapos CHIK test will detect CHIK in minutes on a paper strip at the point of care so that patients can be treated rapidly and at low cost A Rapid Paper Strip Nucleic Acid Test for the Detection of Chikungunya at the Point of Care CrossLife Technologies Inc RESEARCH andamp RELATED Other Project Information Narrative Project Narrative for A Rapid Paper Strip Nucleic Acid Test for the Detection of Chikungunya at the Point of Care Chikungunya CHIK is an emerging a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that produces fever joint and muscle pain headache and rash There is no treatment or vaccine making prevention the main strategy for control and its symptoms resemble dengue fever