Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Early Detection of Dengue Infection

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Rapid Point of Care Diagnostic for Early Detection of Dengue Infection Cross Life Technologies Inc Dengue viruses DENV are one of the most dangerous and significant pathogens in the world and there are million cases of dengue virus infections per year mostly in Latin America and Southeast Asia These mosquito borne viruses cause periodic explosive epidemics in many tropical and sub tropical countries Cross Life technologiesandapos dengue diagnostic is being developed to detect dengue infection early so that patients can be treated effectively Early and rapid detection of dengue virus DENV infection during the febrile period is crucial for proper patient management and containment of the disease However current methods for early detection of dengue involve the use of RT PCR instruments in the laboratory which may not be available in areas where dengue is endemic and which may be too slow Cross Life Technologies CLT proposes to develop a Template Assisted Rapid Assay TARA diagnostics for detection of dengue viruses in human blood TARA dengue diagnostic will detect dengue in minutes on a paper strip at the point of care POC so that patients can be treated rapidly and at low cost A sensitive nucleic acid POC diagnostic paper dipstick device capable of detecting and identifying the serotypes of dengue virus will be developed in order to facilitate more accurate detection of dengue infection in order to improve public health We propose the development of a multiplex dengue diagnostic assay using an innovative RNA amplification chemistry This innovative technology will provide an enzyme free PCR less instrumentation free low cost disposable rapid and sensitive POC dengue diagnostics directly from whole blood samples PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Rapid Point of Care Diagnostic for Early Detection of Dengue Infection Cross Life Technologies Inc Dengue fever is considered to be one of the most significant public health problems with a huge economic impact with million infections per year world wide Early detection is key to effective treatment but most current methods of early detection require RT PCR instrumentation We propose the development of a rapid point of care diagnostic for early detection of dengue without the need for laboratory instrumentation which may not be available in many rural areas where dengue is endemic