A novel molecular test to determine if a pathogen is alive or dead - a tool to transform infectious disease management and reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance

Project Member(s): Huston, W., Lima, N., Vaughan, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC - Ideas Grants)
National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC - Ideas Grants)

Start year: 2023

Summary: NHMRC Ideas grant - externally submitted on STI and infectious diseases viability test. We will leverage a novel molecular viability test, InSignia (SpeeDx) to assess two important sexually transmissible infections (STIs), chlamydia and gonorrhoea. High prevalence and current testing guidelines of STIs result in large-scale overuse of antibiotics and risk the emergence of resistant strains. The InSignia test can simultaneously detect pathogen and determine its viability, using a unique combination of new methodological approaches within in a format compatible with routine diagnostic laboratories. In-vitro and in-vivo data has demonstrated that InSignia assays for chlamydia and gonorrhoea both work. We will use InSignia to determine what proportion of STIs are dead and do not need treatment, as an exemplar model. This study capitalises on strong, existing collaborations and its outcomes could transform our approach to clinical research and management of infectious disease globally.

FOR Codes: Clinical health not elsewhere classified, Infectious diseases

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.