Best Paper of the Session & Col.Rangachari Contestant

Dr. SIDDHARTH NARENDRAN

Dr. LALITHA PRAJNA, Dr.PRAJNA N.V.

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a field-deployable CRISPR/Cas12a-based molecular diagnostic assay (Rapid Identification of Mycoses using CRISPR, RID-MyC Assay) for fungal keratitis.

Methods: Corneal swabs and scrapes collected from 108 consecutive cases of clinically suspected microbial keratitis were analyzed prospectively.The results of the RID-MyC assay were compared to those obtained by microscopy, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with suspected microbial keratitis and endophthalmitis. Real-time fluorescence was measured in clinical specimens processed with and without DNA extraction.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the RID-MyC assay was 93% and 83.3% respectively. There was no significant (p >0.05) difference in the real-time fluorescence at 6 different time points between the clinical samples processed with and without DNA extraction.

Conclusion: The RID-MyC assay provides a field-applicable, visual and faster alternative to PCR.

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