Applications
Porcine industry
PORCINE INDUSTRY: Enteric and respiratory infections spread quickly in the porcine industry, and remote farm locations often delay laboratory diagnostics. There is a global shortage of point-of-care (POC) tests for rapid pathogen detection. DNAiTECH, supported by the Australian Porcine Body, is developing POC tests for key enteric pathogens to enable on-farm surveillance and immediate diagnostics. The first diagnostic chips targeting three pathogens will be tested in early 2027. Plans include expanding to seven pathogens per chip. DNAiTECH also plans to launch a second chip for respiratory pathogens.
PORCINE INDUSTRY
The honey industry
THE HONEY INDUSTRY: American foulbrood is a fatal, highly contagious bacterial disease affecting honey bee brood, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. It is globally distributed and remains one of the most destructive threats to honey bee colonies because it can survive in the environment for decades. In New Zealand, hives must be destroyed when AFB is detected. DNAiTECH has developed LAMP-CRISPR chip assays for on-site AFB detection. Beta testing of the AFB test will begin in summer 2026/27.
Staphylococuss Aureus
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS: Staph A is a commensal organism found on the skin of about one third of healthy adults. While usually harmless, it can enter the body through broken skin such as cuts, grazes, insect bites, or eczema and cause infections ranging from boils and abscesses to pneumonia, joint, bone, heart valve, and blood infections. Globally, methicillin-resistant Staph (MRSA) is increasing and requires treatment with last-resort antibiotics. DNAiTECH has developed a diagnostic chip that rapidly distinguishes MRSA from methicillin-sensitive Staph (MSSA). Rapid POC discrimination is essential for optimal patient outcomes. In the case of MRSA, it is critical for patient survival. For MSSA infection, rapid detection signals that methicillin treatment is appropriate and prevents overprescribing last-resort antibiotics such as vancomycin. Prudent use of antibiotics is critical to slow the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance globally.
Leishmaniasis
LEISHMANIASIS: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan Leishmania species and transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. It occurs in three main forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. It affects hundreds of thousands of people globally each year in tropical and subtropical regions. Leishmaniasis morbidity and mortality vary drastically by clinical form. Visceral leishmaniasis causes up to 30,000 deaths annually and is nearly 100% fatal if untreated. Cutaneous forms rarely cause death but cause severe morbidity through chronic skin ulcers, permanent disfigurement, and social stigma. Dr Vanessa Adaui at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Lima approached DNAiTECH to integrate their LAMP-CRISPR test for Leishmaniasis into DNAiTECH’s chip technology. Leishmaniasis is endemic in the Cusco region of Peru. Preliminary chip results have been obtained, and we are seeking funding to fully develop and trial the diagnostic chip technology in the Cusco region.