Project: Mobile point of care diagnostic testing for Ebola virus diseasein DRC
| Acronym | MobEBO-DRC (Reference Number: RIA2018EF-2089) |
| Duration | 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2020 |
| Project Topic | A mobile suitcase laboratory for EBOV point-of-care (POC) detection at Ebola treatment centers was successfully implemented in Guinea during the large Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West-Africa 2014-2015. It was shown that isothermal amplification (Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA)) could be efficiently used to test suspect EVD cases and local teams were trained in and successfully deployed with this fast method. In the frame of this project we want to train teams in DRC and expand RPA testing capacity to the differentials recommended by the WHO. Existing RPA assays for all parameters will be included into a multistrip for simultaneous use. This will be integrated with a simple biosafe extraction method. The project team consist of experts in the development of mobile molecular assays and a track record of their use in outbreak response. By extending cooperation into DRC this programme will enable local teams in DRC to provide response capacity for future EVD outbreaks. Additionally, a wider outbreak response network of African teams with state of the art POC tests is formed. This proposal falls directly into the scope of this EDCTP call addressing urgent diagnostic needs in alignment with the national priorities of the DRC and neighbouring countries. The international pairs up with the most important Ebola virus research group in DRC and will strengthen their capacity to respond to EBOV outbreaks. It is therefore also in alignment with the WHO R&D blueprint for rapid activation of R&D activities during epidemics. The team has a good record of working according to all required ethical standards. Data will be published did in peer review scientific journals which require open access and data sharing. |
| Network | EDCTP2 |
| Call | Mobilisation of research funds in case of Public Health Emergencies |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Stirling, The | Coordinator | United Kingdom |
| 2 | Georg-August-Universitat Gottingen Stiftung Offentlichen Rechts | Partner | Germany |
| 3 | Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale | Partner | Congo |
| 4 | Institut Pasteur de Dakar | Partner | Senegal |
| 5 | Université Laval | Partner | Canada |