Surveillance for Emerging Diseases with Multiplexed Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Abstract

We present an analysis of the diagnostic technologies that were used to identify historical outbreaks of Ebola virus disease and consider systematic surveillance strategies that may greatly reduce the peak size of future epidemics. We observe that clinical signs and symptoms alone are often insufficient to recognize index cases of diseases of global concern against the considerable background infectious disease burden that is present throughout the developing world. We propose a simple sampling strategy to enrich in especially dangerous pathogens with a low background for molecular diagnostics by targeting blood-borne pathogens in the healthiest age groups. With existing multiplexed diagnostic technologies, such a system could be combined with existing public health screening and reference laboratory systems for malaria, dengue, and common bacteremia or be used to develop such an infrastructure in less-developed locations. Because the needs for valid samples and accurate recording of patient attributes are aligned with needs for global biosurveillance, local public health needs, and improving patient care, co-development of these capabilities appears to be quite natural, flexible, and extensible as capabilities, technologies, and needs evolve over time. Moreover, implementation of multiplexed diagnostic technologies to enhance fundamental clinical lab capacity will increase public health monitoring and biosurveillance as a natural extension.

Optimizing Public Health Preparedness for Highly Infectious Diseases in Central Vietnam

“…Novel technology (paper-based or smartphone-based) with enhanced accuracy, portability, and response can reduce the TTAT to care and costs in decentralized health settings [ 73 ]. Multiplex molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases utilize large test clusters to screen for various pathogens and avoid substantial delays in TTAT to treatment and improve patient health outcomes [ 74 ]. Upstream shift via SCP TM .…”

Optimizing Public Health Preparedness for Highly Infectious Diseases in Central Vietnam

“…Novel technology (paper-based, smartphone-based) with enhanced accuracy, portability, and response can reduce the TTAT to care and costs in decentralized health settings [72]. Multiplex molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases utilize large test clusters to screen for various pathogens and avoid substantial delays in TTAT to treatment and improve patient health outcomes [73].…”

In Vivo and In Vitro Activities and ADME-Tox Profile of a Quinolizidine-Modified 4-Aminoquinoline: A Potent Anti-P. falciparum and Anti-P. vivax Blood-Stage Antimalarial

“…In countries where CQ use was discontinued, studies have shown that, in the absence of drug pressure, CQ-resistant strains of P. falciparum have been replaced by CQ-sensitive isolates [ 10 ]. Therefore, the development of CQ analogues as multi-species antimalarial agents may still be valid and has been recently highlighted and reviewed [ 11 , 12 ].…”