| Abstract |
The overall aim of this research is to complete the further development and commercialisation of new tests for the detection and diagnosis of the parasite Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT or sleeping sickness), building upon and completing previously funded BBSRC applications. HAT threatens 43.4 million people in the sub-Saharan area of Africa, is the result of infection by parasites transmitted by the tsetse fly, and the development of new, more reliable and economic diagnostic biomarkers and assays is essential, particularly for surveillance and to curb transmission in the remaining moderate to high risk foci. Our approach is also amenable to the development of new diagnostic tests for the diagnosis, monitoring and surveillance of other diseases caused by parasite diseases. We will therefore also apply our technology to the development of new diagnostic tests for other diseases caused by Trypanosomes and Kinetoplastid diseases of commercial and social importance. |