Development of novel multiplexed diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections

Early and rapid diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases the chance of
limiting the effects of these disease, by preventing onward transmission and allowing the
appropriate therapy to be administered. Left untreated, STIs can lead to devastating and
long-term complications. This project aims to develop a multi-pathogen STI diagnostic test
that will provide rapid, accurate results and will be able to diagnose in a single test which
pathogen is present. To do this we will build on the previous expertise of the Robb lab and
industrial partner Pictura Bio in commercialising a respiratory virus diagnostic platform. Work
will involve expanding the current technology to other pathogens and sample types. The
rapid return of a result provided by this type of technology offers an excellent opportunity for
STI diagnoses, potentially enabling diagnosis during a consultation, allowing antibiotics to
be appropriately prescribed and treatment of viruses to be targeted and specific.