(449h) Point-of-Care Device for Early Detection of HIV-1 with CRISPR-Cas

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an incurable retrovirus that attacks immune cells that protect against harmful invaders. Although no cure has been developed, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the best option for patients to control HIV levels in the organism and prevent the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the late stage of HIV infection in which opportunistic diseases attack, leading to earlier death. By the end of 2023, 39.9 million people were reported to live with HIV, while 630,000 died from HIV related AIDs, with 5.4 million people not knowing they live with HIV. Although expensive clinical and point-of-care tests have already been developed, most of them require a period of 2 to 12 weeks post-infection to obtain accurate results; therefore, there is a need for an affordable, easy-to-use point-of-care device for early detection, especially for populations with limited access to public health services and low income.

With this project, we aim to create a simple yet efficient home diagnostics point-of-care device for the detection of HIV-1 during the first month post-infection to control HIV levels with ART, subsequently preventing AIDS. Using an RT-LAMP assay coupled with CRISPR-Cas system as diagnostic techniques assembled into a microfluidic device will allow us to detect HIV-1 genomic material as early as 0-10 days post-infection due to the practicality and precision of the CRISPR systems with lower viral concentrations. This innovative device will reduce the need for human interaction and the quantity of blood used, allowing for the reduction of false positive results due to human error and, thus, a more accurate and rapid ability for the user to seek medical assistance if needed.