DIAGNOSIS INNOVATION USING IMMUNOCHROMATHOGRAPHIC TESTS: A TOOL FOR DETECTION OF NEGLECTED DISEASES

Abstract

Immunochromatographic tests (IC) have been widely applied to different pathogens, to permit quick results, low cost, long-term stability, easy application and interpretation of the results. Considering these properties, the test IC can be employed in places of low income and few laboratory resources, predominantly in the detection of diseases of limited interest to industrialized countries, essentially neglected diseases such as diarrhea and dengue. The diarrheal disease is considered a major public health worldwide problem causing about 1.5 million annual deaths in children under five years old. Among the pathogens, the diarrheagenic Escherichia coli are responsible for 30-40% of episodes of acute diarrhea in developing countries. The application of specific antibodies in the development of an immunoassay (IC) identified ETEC, STEC and EPEC through their toxins and secreted proteins, allowing their future use in clinical laboratories and hospitals. Dengue in Brazil is considered an epidemic disease, thus the rapid diagnosis can short-term an adequate medical care and thus help to contain the spread of the disease. As noted, the diagnosis is an essential tool to minimize and control occurrences of these diseases. Thus, the purpose of this project is to develop and improve diagnostic tests immunochromatographic rapid and low cost for diarrhea and dengue. Moreover, design scaling studies to the standardized tests, validating the feasibility of larger scale production.