STD-Array – Identification of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases with highly parallel diagnostics using DNA microarray

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomonads are of increasing global importance for individual and reproductive health. The development of specific STD diagnostics is an integral part of the strategy to combat these diseases developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Development of point-of-care tests (POCTs) that enable diagnostics independent of central laboratories and within close proximity of the affected persons has strategic importance for therapy and monitoring.

On behalf of Immundiagnostik AG Bensheim, the Infection Biology and Array Technologies Group of the Molecular Biology Department is developing DNA-based microarrays for highly parallel diagnostics of STDs. The test being developed helps to differentiate diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses or protozoa using highly sensitive and molecular procedures, allowing them to be treated quickly and adequately. For the diagnostics of STDs, we first identify suitable target regions of the pathogen, then develop pathogen-specific primers and simultaneously amplify the pathogen targets using multiplex PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). After immobilizing the primers on carriers (glass carrier or 8-strip tube or microtiter plate), highly parallel and highly sensitive DNA microarrays are available for detecting pathogen targets. The aim is to achieve semi- or fully-automated processing of samples – preferably integrated into a POCT in order to enable simplified and cost-effective diagnostics.