This laboratory has optimized an isothermal amplification technology based rapid assay, for detection of pathogens in wild-collected vector specimens under field conditions.
- Isothermal DNA amplification-based method, does not require sophisticated high power requiring thermal cyclers.
- Simple, robust and sensitive method, (sensitivity ~10 copies of pathogen nucleic acid).
- Amplification can be performed within 60-90 minutes of incubation at 60-65°C.
- Stabilized reagents enable storage and transportation at normal temperatures.
- Dye incorporated reaction buffer enables naked eye interpretation of results signified by colour change in positive reaction tubes.
- A low-cost,battery-powered, electronically controlled heating device has been designed and prototype fabricated for testing isothermal amplification in resource poor/ field settings.
- System is suitable for surveillance and monitoring of a wide range of vector-borne and other pathogens under field conditions.