Rapid diagnosis of respiratory pathogens
According to the World Health Organisation, infectious diseases constitute a major global health problem despite vaccination efforts and antibiotic therapy. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis are the most prominent pathogens causing vaccine-preventable infections. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are increasingly used for the genomic detection of respiratory pathogens. However, this method requires specialised equipment and trained personnel, and is thus limited to large, centralised laboratories. There is an urgent need for fast, cost-effective and user-friendly molecular diagnostic POC instruments that can be used in non-referral hospitals. To address this need, the EU-funded RESPOC(opens in new window) (Fast, cost-effective, user-friendly POC) project for detection of respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, proposes to develop a novel device for detecting bacterial respiratory pathogens in less than one hour and at low cost. The RESPOC instrument relies on the use of disposable microfluidics cartridges capable of automated DNA extraction and amplification, using isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology to target bacterial DNA. During the first part of the project, the participating enterprises defined the specifications of the POC device and optimised sample collection and DNA extraction methods. Partners then selected which bacterial genomic sequences to amplify and developed their microfluidic cartridge. Ongoing efforts are progressively focusing on instrument architecture and the integration of the designed elements before final testing of the device prototype. Long term, the introduction of a POC system for detecting respiratory pathogens will result in early and specific treatment, contributing to better patient outcomes and reducing hospitalisation cost. Considering the direct and indirect costs derived from pertussis and pneumonia, the RESPOC device will reduce the associated healthcare burden.
