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Cardiff University develops faster tests for lung infections Cardiff University develops faster tests for lung infections
(about 1 hour later)
Scientists at Cardiff University are using DNA testing by robots to identify infections in cystic fibrosis patients more quickly and accurately.Scientists at Cardiff University are using DNA testing by robots to identify infections in cystic fibrosis patients more quickly and accurately.
There are more than 10,300 people with the condition in the UK.There are more than 10,300 people with the condition in the UK.
Genetic testing for lung infections replaced the usual growth of samples in laboratory dishes for the project.Genetic testing for lung infections replaced the usual growth of samples in laboratory dishes for the project.
Researchers also want to see it used in public health laboratories and believe they could help patients with other lung conditions and asthma.Researchers also want to see it used in public health laboratories and believe they could help patients with other lung conditions and asthma.
What is cystic fibrosis?What is cystic fibrosis?
Case study: Joe Tobin, 15Case study: Joe Tobin, 15
Keen boxer Joe Tobin has CF but is also vulnerable to pseudomonas infection in which the bacteria attacks the lungs and can lead to a condition similar to pneumonia.Keen boxer Joe Tobin has CF but is also vulnerable to pseudomonas infection in which the bacteria attacks the lungs and can lead to a condition similar to pneumonia.
"They take a cough swab at the hospital and it can up to week for the results to come back to us," said his mother Anna. "They take a cough swab at the hospital and it can take up to week for the results to come back to us," said his mother Anna.
"And then we begin a different course of antibiotics so an earlier diagnosis would mean he's taking them much sooner and Joe wouldn't have been as ill as he has been.""And then we begin a different course of antibiotics so an earlier diagnosis would mean he's taking them much sooner and Joe wouldn't have been as ill as he has been."
It is important doctors know which type of infection a patient has before they decide on the treatment.It is important doctors know which type of infection a patient has before they decide on the treatment.
Samples of saliva and mucus are taken, grown in a dish in the lab and then identified to find the right antibiotics. Not only does this take time but it can be inaccurate.Samples of saliva and mucus are taken, grown in a dish in the lab and then identified to find the right antibiotics. Not only does this take time but it can be inaccurate.
The Cardiff research moved away from growing bacteria and say DNA can pinpoint the types of infection and suggest tailor-made treatment.The Cardiff research moved away from growing bacteria and say DNA can pinpoint the types of infection and suggest tailor-made treatment.
'Problematic''Problematic'
Microbiologist Prof Esh Mahenthiralingam said: "Our study has shown that in about 10% of cases we were missing the organism that was dominant and causing the main infection inside the patient.Microbiologist Prof Esh Mahenthiralingam said: "Our study has shown that in about 10% of cases we were missing the organism that was dominant and causing the main infection inside the patient.
"That's quite often because these organisms are tricky to identify using conventional growth-based techniques. By applying a genetic test we can pick up that immediately and report back to physicians on the type of organism in there.""That's quite often because these organisms are tricky to identify using conventional growth-based techniques. By applying a genetic test we can pick up that immediately and report back to physicians on the type of organism in there."
The old approach could take days, but the robot is capable of multiple testing within hours.The old approach could take days, but the robot is capable of multiple testing within hours.
This is being hailed as the biggest breakthrough in infection diagnosis for half a century, with the potential for improving the quality of life for between 80 to 95% of CF patients.This is being hailed as the biggest breakthrough in infection diagnosis for half a century, with the potential for improving the quality of life for between 80 to 95% of CF patients.
"One big advantage of genetic tests is we can detect organisms from very limited material and we can do it much more rapidly," said Prof Mahenthiralingam."One big advantage of genetic tests is we can detect organisms from very limited material and we can do it much more rapidly," said Prof Mahenthiralingam.
"If we can improve the speed and accuracy of testing we can improve the speed that the patient gets the right therapy. If there's a mixture of organisms there we can identify exactly what the problematic ones are and make sure we give a tailored antibiotic to the patient.""If we can improve the speed and accuracy of testing we can improve the speed that the patient gets the right therapy. If there's a mixture of organisms there we can identify exactly what the problematic ones are and make sure we give a tailored antibiotic to the patient."