New research led by Dr Meysam Khodaparast has highlighted ways to improve the detection of waterborne pathogens.
The paper, published in npj Clean Water, discusses scientific approaches that may revolutionise water quality monitoring and public health management.
“Unsafe water remains a global challenge, and contributes to approximately 485,000 deaths every year,” Dr Khodaparast explains.
“Unfortunately, traditional water quality monitoring methods are labour-intensive, expensive and often need to be completed in a laboratory setting, making them impractical for real-time, on-site detection.”
“Our focus is on the need for rapid, reliable and accessible detection methods for waterborne pathogens using advanced molecular techniques for point-of-care diagnostics.”
The research team found that the Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, was effective in detecting many common waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Hepatitis A and Rotavirus.
LAMP is a rapid molecular technique used to detect specific DNA sequences. It provides quick results without the need for complex lab equipment, making it ideal for on-site testing.
“LAMP, when combined with in-field sample preparation and DNA isolation, is an accurate and accessible method of microbial water quality monitoring and pathogen detection.”
This study demonstrates the potential of advanced methods to revolutionise real-time monitoring, paving the way for improved decision-making in various settings, including rural and disaster-affected areas.
So, what are next steps? The research team recommended using LAMP, in conjunction with biosensors and artificial intelligence, to improve the accuracy of results and enable real-time data analysis.
“We also hope to collaborate with public health agencies and environmental organisations who will play an essential role in testing these technologies,” Dr Khodaparast says.
“Ultimately, our goal is to enhance global water safety by advancing diagnostic techniques and managing waterborne diseases more effectively."
