The prevalence of Dengue infection, particularly in Asian countries, has led to a significant global burden, with ASEAN countries reporting a 46% increase in cases from 2015 to 2019. In Malaysia, this problem has escalated further with over a 200% increase in 2023. To address this issue, a solution involves the implementation of rapid diagnostics for more effective disease management. This direct detection method utilizes antibodies, specifically targeting the NS1 protein, and employs molecular recognition elements known as aptamers. These innovative diagnostic tools aim to improve the early detection and management of Dengue infections, ultimately mitigating the growing Dengue-related health crisis in affected regions.
1) Dengue infection is prevalent in Asian countries, contributing to 70% of the global burden
2) Specifically, ASEAN countries have reported an increase of 46% in dengue cases from 2015 to 2019
3) In Malaysia alone- more 200% increase in 2023
1) Aptamer can be synthesized at a large scale at a much cheaper price as compared to antibodies
2) Aptamers show no batch-to-batch
1) For better disease management, rapid diagnostics are needed (Direct Detection)
2) Direct detection of NS1 is based on the usage of antibodies
3) Molecular Recognition Element: Aptamers
Cheaper system with no batch-to-batch variation associated with aptamer
1) Academia: Prototype is envisaged to be one of the steps in galvanizing the universal move to educate and proselytize on the application of aptamers in diagnostics
2) Economy: Aptamers are cheaper compared to antibodies. Integrating aptamers into lateral flow assays as the surrogates of the traditional antibodies as a whole would minimize the overall cost of production
3) Industry: The kit could provide revenues that can be benefitted by the kit developers, distributors or even sales individuals.
4) Community: To promote the usage of aptamer-based system among the community based on the advantages of the aptamers
5) Environment: The application of aptamers as a non-harmful element in ELISA