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Funding awarded to develop rapid TB detector
“The impact of TB is devastating, so developing a rapid diagnosis method could be truly transformative” – Glyn Hewinson.
The new test could be quicker than PCR and microscopy testing.

A project to develop a new point-of-care TB detector for humans and animals that can produce a result within one hour has received almost £1.2 million in funding.

The project, led by Adrian Porch of Cardiff University and involving researchers from Aberystwyth University, has received the funding from UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The new technology is expected to be quicker than both PCR and microscopy testing and will be able to be used by healthcare workers, veterinary surgeons and farmers.

The interdisciplinary research team includes experts in veterinary medicine, microbiology, and microwave and photonic engineering.

Bovine TB continues to have a significant impact on cattle farms in the UK. Efforts to eradicate the disease through surveillance, diagnostic testing, badger culling and vaccination cost the UK government around £100 million per year.

TB also remains a major cause of death in humans worldwide. Around 10 million human infections are recorded each year, leading to around 1.8 million deaths annually.

Les Baillie, professor of microbiology at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University and co-lead on the project, said: “Tuberculosis is a particular problem for farmers in Wales who have seen bovine TB decimate herds across the country. Diagnosis of the early stages of infection is challenging due to the lack of rapid, accurate tests.

“To address this, we are working with colleagues from Aberystwyth University to advance the development of a real-time test capable to detecting the presence of the pathogen in clinical and environmental samples.”

Glyn Hewinson, Sêr Cymru research chair in the Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis at Aberystwyth University, added: “The impact of TB is devastating, so developing a rapid diagnosis method could be truly transformative.

“Eliminating the human TB epidemic by 2050 is a key UN Sustainable Development Goal, and the World Health Organization highlights the need for more effective rapid diagnostic tests as a critical step.”

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."