Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and a large proportion of these are due to bacterial pathogens, especially in hospital settings. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics to treat these infections due to the lack of rapid and specific diagnostics.
In this context, this project aims to develop and take the first steps toward the commercialization of a rapid diagnostic test based on LFIA technology to diagnose P. aeruginosa and S. aureus infections at the point of care. The proposed devices will detect bacterial quorum sensing molecules, specific to each pathogen, in a few minutes and at a low cost. The project aims to create a spin-off company to drive the transition of these tests from the laboratory to the market.