Development of Sexually Transmitted Infection Tests Receives Funding

An ultrarapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) detection system for clinics is being developed and has received suitable funding and support.

The detection system will use short fluorescently-labeled DNA sequences, called HyBeacons, that are able to detect sections of DNA sequence with a genetic variation that identify the presence of an STI .

The technologies are being developed by scientists from the chemical and biological company LGC (Teddington, UK). They are collaborating with scientists at the University of Southampton (Southampton, UK) and Optigene Ltd. (Horsham, UK) who will refine and manufacture the desktop amplification device and assay for rapidly testing genetic markers for detection of STIs. The group will develop a new generation of more powerful fluorophore molecules to enable the HyBeacons probes to detect STIs with greater accuracy and speed. The aim is to produce a test that will give a result in less than 15 minutes.

The Chlamydia Research Group, based in the University's School of Medicine, who works closely with the regional laboratory, will use universally conserved sequences from sexually transmitted bacteria as a basis for developing the Clinic-based Infection Examination through Nucleic acid Technologies (Client) tests. This team will also lead the collaboration in the design of the Client testing kits.

Paul Debenham, PhD, director of innovation and development at LGC, said," The goal of this project is to achieve a significant step forward in the fight against sexually transmitted infections. Simple, rapid testing, in the order of a 15-minute turnaround, will result in a significant step-change in the efficacy of STI treatment."

Related Links:
LGC
University of Southampton
Optigene Ltd.