The potential of digital molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

The potential of digital molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa

Blog Article

There is a large gap between diagnostic needs and diagnostic access across much of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly for infectious diseases that inflict a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality.Accurate diagnostics are essential for the correct treatment of individuals and provide vital information underpinning disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.Digital molecular diagnostics combine the high sensitivity and specificity of molecular detection with point-of-care format and mobile connectivity.Recent developments in these technologies create an opportunity for a radical transformation of the diagnostic ecosystem.Rather than trying to emulate diagnostic laboratory models in resource-rich settings, African countries have the potential to pioneer new models of healthcare designed around digital diagnostics.

This article describes hydrangea red sensation the need for new diagnostic approaches, highlights advances in digital molecular diagnostic technology, and outlines their potential for tackling infectious diseases in SSA.It then addresses the steps that will be necessary for the development and implementation of digital molecular diagnostics.Although the focus is on infectious diseases in SSA, many of the principles apply to other resource-limited settings and to noncommunicable diseases.Author summary Diagnostic tests are fundamental to the practice of modern medicine, underpinning correct diagnosis and treatment.There is a global disparity in access to diagnostic tests, and much of the population of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) does not have access to essential tests.

Consequently, there is also limited data on the true burden of many diseases in SSA.Diagnostic laboratories are expensive and complex to build, run and maintain, and so increasing the number of laboratories may not be the best solution.We have identified new digital diagnostic technologies as an alternative approach with potential to bring the laboratory to the patient, wherever they may be.These technologies could transform healthcare in SSA, particularly for infectious diseases.Conducting diagnostic tests in a handheld device, often on the surface of a microchip, then gymnastics wall decals may provide the accuracy of tests in a large laboratory, but in a rapid, cheap, and portable format.

By transmitting real-time data, digital diagnostics also have the potential to transform surveillance of infectious diseases.This will allow prevention and control measures to be targeted where they are most needed.