Print Email Facebook Twitter Development of DNA diagnostics of neglected tropical diseases in resource-limited settings Title Development of DNA diagnostics of neglected tropical diseases in resource-limited settings Author Bengtson, M.L. (TU Delft BN/Cees Dekker Lab) Contributor Dekker, C. (promotor) Degree granting institution Delft University of Technology Date 2021-01-13 Abstract The aim of this thesis was to develop a DNA-detection scheme for a point-of-care diagnostic test for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) for use within resource-limited settings. The scientific innovation is to develop an adaptable DNA-detection scheme, using CRISPR-dCas9 (catalytically inactive Cas9), that can detect the DNA of any pathogen in bodily fluids i.e. in a blood or urine sample. This detection of DNA of the pathogen will be much more reliable than antibody-based tests as it will work independently of the persons immune response. Unlike current antibody-based diagnostic tests, it will be able to distinguish between current and previous infections. Specifically for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the current rk39 antigen-based rapid diagnostic test lacks specificity and sensitivity in sub-Saharan Africa, where VL remains prevalent. We aim for a DNA-detection scheme that does not require infrastructure, electricity, or skilled laboratory personnel to operate. Furthermore, the DNA-detection scheme will need to be functional at a broad temperature range, yet remain highly sensitive and specific. Such a DNA-detection scheme can be a promising tool for effective diagnoses of NTDs within resource-limited settings, though it needs to be further tested, incorporated into a packaged test format, and validated in the field. Integrating this DNA-detection scheme into a potentially low-cost diagnostic test is a very promising alternative to current diagnostic tests in both high-resource and resource-limited settings. Subject point-of-care diagnostic testNeglected tropical diseasesresource-limited settingsvisceral leishmaniasiscontext-driven designCRISPR/cas9 To reference this document use: https://doi.org/10.4233/uuid:3cbbf7ad-6ac7-4f38-9fa6-85c7a4f11034 ISBN 978-90-8593-463-9 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type doctoral thesis Rights © 2021 M.L. Bengtson Files PDF Mbengtson_thesis_2020.pdf 50.35 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:3cbbf7ad-6ac7-4f38-9fa6-85c7a4f11034/datastream/OBJ/view