by Faiqa Masoodi
SRINAGAR: In a major advancement for medical diagnostics, researchers from the Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies (MCARS) at Jamia Millia Islamia, in collaboration with Taif University in Saudi Arabia, AIIMS New Delhi, and the Centre for Brain Research in Bangalore, have unveiled a revolutionary diagnostic tool that leverages CRISPR-Cas systems for the simultaneous detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This pioneering method promises to transform point-of-care diagnostics and enhance disease management worldwide, informed sources said.
The novel tool, detailed in a recent study published in the Journal of Nucleic Acids, employs CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13 systems to detect HBV and HCV, respectively. This dual-detection approach represents a significant leap forward, offering a faster, more efficient means of diagnosing these critical diseases, which affect millions globally.
Chronic hepatitis B and C are severe health concerns, with approximately 254 million people suffering from chronic hepatitis B and nearly 50 million from chronic hepatitis C. Each year, these conditions lead to around 1.3 million deaths due to liver disease and cancer. The innovative diagnostic tool developed by this international team promises to address the significant challenge of current diagnostic methods, potentially saving countless lives through earlier and more accurate detection.
The research was led by Ms Syeda Najidah Shahni, a prominent scientist in CRISPR-Diagnostics, who has previously developed a tool for detecting EGFR mutations using CRISPR-Cas. Her latest work builds on this foundation, offering a dual-detection system that could revolutionize how hepatitis is managed and controlled.
The research team has extended its gratitude to Professor M Husain, Director of MCARS, and former Director Professor Saeed Uddin, Dean of Natural Sciences, for their essential support and guidance. Their contributions were pivotal in the successful development of this cutting-edge technology.
As the patent for this innovative diagnostic tool is currently under process, the study’s corresponding authors, Dr Tanveer Ahmad, Dr Amit Sharma, and Dr Jawed Iqbal, highlight the potential of this technology to overcome current limitations in CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics. This breakthrough not only represents a significant advancement in medical science but also paves the way for future innovations in detecting multiple pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. Dr Tanveer is a Kashmir scientist who has worked in gene editing for a long time.
The dual detection system marks a new era in the fight against hepatitis, promising more effective disease management and control on a global scale.
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