Indian scientists from the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) and AIIMS have developed an innovative CRISPR-based diagnostic test, FELUDA, to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. The Ministry of Science and Technology shared the announcement on Friday.
H. pylori infections affect over 43% of the global population, causing various gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers, gastritis, indigestion, and even gastric cancer.
The research team successfully adapted the FELUDA test into a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic tool to identify H. pylori and its mutations in patients with digestive problems. This test particularly benefits individuals from rural areas with limited or no access to diagnostic facilities. FELUDA, short for FnCas9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay, is an advanced diagnostic tool developed to detect H. pylori and its antibiotic-resistant mutations.
To validate the method, gastric biopsy samples from patients with indigestion were analyzed using FELUDA. Both in vitro cleavage studies and lateral flow-based test strip assays were employed, showing promising results in detecting the bacteria and its mutations.
The study revealed that en31-FnCas9 successfully detected the presence of Helicobacter pylori and identified 23S rDNA mutations in gastric biopsy samples from patients experiencing indigestion.
Published in the Microchemical Journal, the research emphasized the importance of sequencing-free molecular diagnostics in identifying H. pylori and its antibiotic-resistant mutations. The findings underline the urgency of personalized treatment approaches to address the global challenges of antibiotic resistance and the associated risks of gastric cancer.
The integration of en31-FnCas9 detection with the FELUDA lateral flow assay proved to be a fast and effective method for diagnosing H. pylori infections and identifying mutation statuses. This advancement could enhance its clinical utility in healthcare settings.
The researchers highlighted the importance of innovative diagnostic tools in combating H. pylori. “Cost-effective strategies for detecting H. pylori in human samples and assessing antibiotic susceptibility are critical for its swift eradication,” the team noted.
