Submission
| Title: | Development of on-paper, nucleic acid-based diagnostics for human respiratory pathogens in point-of-care settings |
| Co-Authors: | Davidson, Josiah Levi, Purdue University; Mohit S. Verma, Purdue University; Ryan F. Relich, Indiana University School of Medicine |
Abstract
Background/Significance/Rationale: Acute respiratory infections are typically treated non-specifically given the variety of pathogens infecting the human respiratory tract. Opposing this, medications currently exist which may better treat specific viral infections if the causative agent is known. To identify which pathogens are present in a patient sample, we developed a paper-based device using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which changes color in the presence of the targeted pathogen and can be used in point-of-care settings.
Methods: Acute respiratory infections are typically treated non-specifically given the variety of pathogens infecting the human respiratory tract. Opposing this, medications currently exist which may better treat specific viral infections if the causative agent is known. To identify which pathogens are present in a patient sample, we developed a paper-based device using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which changes color in the presence of the targeted pathogen and can be used in point-of-care settings.
Results/Findings: We successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 in diluted patient saliva without pre-treatment within 60 minutes. Positive results produced a vibrant colorimetric change from red to yellow and are easily observed using the naked eye. The assay can detect 200 copies/µL of patient saliva with an analytical sensitivity and specificity of 71% and 100% respectively and a false invalid rate of 25%.
Conclusions/Discussion: Our paper-based device can be modified to target different pathogens by redesigning the primer sets preloaded on paper. As demonstrated, our device can be used to provide additional information to health care providers to better guide patient treatment providing a better prognosis for the patient.
Translational/Human Health Impact: We are working on detecting other common viral pathogens in upper respiratory patient samples. We envision this device will provide a way to specifically treat patients and provide a better prognosis. Additionally, we expect our device could enable broad collection of epidemiological data in patient care settings to better guide public health policy.
