Multiple STIs Could Be Detected with A Single Rapid Test

One test that could detect four of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 30 minutes and allow them to be rapidly treated is under development. A GBP150,000 grant has been awarded to develop the test that will detect STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Testing kits have been sent out by the UK National Chlamydia Screening Program aimed at those aged under 25 who did not have symptoms but wished to know they are clear of the infection. Their samples were then sent away for testing and those who tested positive for Chlamydia were offered the opportunity to trial the new technology.

Chlamydia is the UK’s most common STI with about 100,000 cases diagnosed each year and people under 25 years old are most at risk. If untreated, it can have serious long-term health consequences, including infertility in women. In some areas, one in five people never get treatment for their infection and others wait a long time before coming back to a clinic.

The test is being developed by scientists at St George’s, University of London (UK) and Atlas Genetics (Trowbridge, UK). The STI multiplex combines tests for four major nucleic acid targets, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium, without the need for microscopy. The test is run on the Atlas Genetics’ io system which is a fully automated solution, requiring minimal hands-on time. Following the addition of an unprocessed patient specimen on to the io Cartridge, the Cartridge is then inserted in to the io Reader.

Tariq Sadiq MD, chief investigator at St. George’s, leads the eSTI2 Consortium which has developed a new smartphone app which allows patients to access an electronic clinic, the eSexual Health Clinic, to get rapid online treatment for chlamydia infection once they were diagnosed. Using a secure National Health System (NHS) log in, the app included an online medical consultation, leading to an electronic prescription for antibiotics, which patients could collect at a high street pharmacy. The app also enabled the patients’ sexual partners to get treatment quickly and easily in the same way. A clinical helpline is available for patients who need advice or support.

Eventually the eSexual Health Clinic will link to a hand held diagnostic device for STIs is also being developed by the scientists. This will mean that a urine or swab sample from patients would not have to be sent away for analysis, but can be analyzed at home so patients would receive their results within half an hour and then get their care online without ever needing to see a doctor face to face or attend a clinic.

Related Links:
St George’s, University of London
Atlas Genetics