Program Lead
Abu Bakar Siddik
Our Approach
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, where outbreaks frequently occur due to contaminated drinking water. Given the high burden of HEV and the associated complications, particularly among pregnant women, we have initiated a study to evaluate HEV diagnostics using a non-invasive urine-based rapid antigen test. This novel approach aims to provide a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional serological and molecular diagnostics, thereby improving early detection and outbreak management in resource-limited settings.
Partners
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and institute for developing Science and Health initiatives (ideSHi)
Research Goals
Through this study, we aim to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of using urine-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HEV detection in suspected acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) cases.
Context
HEV infection is often underdiagnosed due to overlapping clinical symptoms with other causes of AJS and the lack of routine testing. Although RT-PCR and ELISA-based diagnostics offer high sensitivity and specificity, they require significant laboratory infrastructure and financial resources, making them less accessible in outbreak-prone, resource-constrained areas. Rapid diagnostic tests using a non-invasive sampling like urine specimen, present a promising alternative by enabling point-of-care detection, which can enhance surveillance efforts and facilitate timely interventions.
By integrating this approach into HEV surveillance programs, we hope to improve case identification, outbreak response, and public health decision-making.
Impact
This study has the potential to revolutionize HEV diagnostics by introducing a non-invasive, rapid, and cost-effective testing method. The findings will contribute to improved surveillance of HEV outbreaks, particularly in resource limited settings, and inform policymakers on the feasibility of implementing urine-based antigen testing in national HEV control strategies.
