With the availability of newer technologies, new DNA sequences from bacteria and virus has been generated at an explosive rate and are currently available in GenBank and other databases. The ability to intepret genomic data will be the chief enabling technology that will lead to major breaktroughs in understanding the relationship between genomic structure and biological function. Due to the universal and fundamental role of the genome in biological systems, such advances will undoubtedly have a significant impact on health. Hence with the help of computational genomics and bioinformatics, it is possible to 'mine' important virulent and diagnostically important genes from the sequence databases.

Using the "GENOMIC APPROACH" the current project is aimed towards the development of specific molecular probes for the bacterial and the viral pathogens of importance including Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus, Rotavirus and Norwalk virus. The developed rapid detection system will also be useful in detecting from pathogens from healthy carriers and from food and water. National impacts of the project include development of indigenously developed single and multi tests that are DNA-based using technology platforms including nanotechnology for enteric diseases of importance. Such tests can be further evaluated internationally to measure its efficacy and utility in creating safe global travel and protection from diseases brought in by foreign workers and immigrants.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Title:
DEVELOPMENT OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR ENTERIC PATHOGENS:
A GENOMIC APPROACH

 

Development of competitive technology diagnostics based on original Malaysian discoveries would definitely carve a niche for the products produced. It is anticipated that investment in this proposal would generate high returns with several intellectual properties generated.

Period of the project : 3 Years (2001 - 2004)

Achievements

Progress/Achievements for year one

New Process :

1- Vibrio cholera project (USM) is in the process of creating a PCR reaction mix that would not require cold chain. This in essence will create PCR tests that could now be performed without the use of cold chain.
2- The various probes have been designed and tested and those that did not satisfy the needed level of secificity has been redesigned.
3- Collection of specimens have been an ongoing process.
4- DNA alignment techniques have also been taught so as to facilitate the researches to do their own DNA alignment to find the unique sequences for primer design.