Development of CRISPR-based diagnostics for point-of-need detection of arboviruses and high-consequence pathogens

Funding period: 2023–2025
Lead: Alexander Bello
Total GRDI funding: $1,020,900

The goal of this project is to develop a deployable paper-based CRISPR-based diagnostic assay using newer or engineered enzymes to rapidly detect arboviruses and high-consequence pathogens that can be used in resource-limited settings such as Canadian northern, remote and isolated communities. In acute care settings, rapid diagnosis is critical for travellers presenting with fever and rash who are returning from areas of the world endemic for arboviral pathogens such as dengue or chikungunya virus and for high-consequence pathogens such as Ebola or Lassa virus so the patient is provided with appropriate care and the necessary isolation requirements are followed.

This project will involve developing bioinformatics tools for designing primers for pre-amplification of the template as well as for designing CRISPR guide RNA. Implementation of CRISPR diagnostics at the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory and at point-of-need will lead to faster and cheaper diagnostic tools, translating into cost savings for taxpayers and healthier Canadians.