Multiplex point-of-care detection of human and avian influenza viruses using an antibody microarray technology
Author(s)
d’Episcopo, Lorenzo
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Over the last two decades concern about influenza has increased worldwide due to
the rising number of human infections caused by an avian virus, H5N1, and the
2009-pandemic of swine-origin H1N1 virus. Counter-measures, for example the
selective administration of antivirals to infected individuals, their hospitalization, and
the culling of large numbers of infected animals require a prompt and reliable
diagnosis, that ideally identifies the type and subtype of the virus and can be carried
out at the Point-of-Care (POC). Nowadays instead diagnosis is still largely
laboratory-bound, as the available POC-suitable tests are hampered by poor and
very variable clinical sensitivity.
This PhD was developed in the frame of a European joint effort (Fluarray) that aimed
at constructing an automated diagnostic system for the rapid influenza diagnosis.
Key technology of the system is an antibody microarray technology that permits the
simultaneous analysis of hundreds of antigen-antibody interactions. This research
investigated ways to detect the influenza virus using a panel of monoclonal
antibodies that were purified, characterized and integrated into the microarray
platform. The optimised immunoassay detects and differentiates the influenza
nucleoproteins of type A and B at concentrations in the order of few nanograms/ml.
A panel of influenza viruses were detected and their type identified within 1 hour
hands-on time. The developed microarray platform will soon be integrated into an
Automated Diagnostic Analyser for Microarrays (ADAM) developed by the
collaborating partner Microtest Matrices. It is envisaged that the system will be a
consistent aid in the influenza diagnosis and sensibly facilitate and speed up
diagnostic procedures.
the rising number of human infections caused by an avian virus, H5N1, and the
2009-pandemic of swine-origin H1N1 virus. Counter-measures, for example the
selective administration of antivirals to infected individuals, their hospitalization, and
the culling of large numbers of infected animals require a prompt and reliable
diagnosis, that ideally identifies the type and subtype of the virus and can be carried
out at the Point-of-Care (POC). Nowadays instead diagnosis is still largely
laboratory-bound, as the available POC-suitable tests are hampered by poor and
very variable clinical sensitivity.
This PhD was developed in the frame of a European joint effort (Fluarray) that aimed
at constructing an automated diagnostic system for the rapid influenza diagnosis.
Key technology of the system is an antibody microarray technology that permits the
simultaneous analysis of hundreds of antigen-antibody interactions. This research
investigated ways to detect the influenza virus using a panel of monoclonal
antibodies that were purified, characterized and integrated into the microarray
platform. The optimised immunoassay detects and differentiates the influenza
nucleoproteins of type A and B at concentrations in the order of few nanograms/ml.
A panel of influenza viruses were detected and their type identified within 1 hour
hands-on time. The developed microarray platform will soon be integrated into an
Automated Diagnostic Analyser for Microarrays (ADAM) developed by the
collaborating partner Microtest Matrices. It is envisaged that the system will be a
consistent aid in the influenza diagnosis and sensibly facilitate and speed up
diagnostic procedures.
Date Issued
2012-10
Date Awarded
2013-07
Advisor
Crisanti, Andrea
Sponsor
Microtest Matrices
Publisher Department
Division of Cell and Molecular Biology
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)