Grant: Ca. Gr.: Biomedical Res. for HIV/AIDS/STBBI-Next-gen. testing/urveillance techn.

Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted infection that, if untreated, can lead to long-term health problems such as neurological damage and organ failure. In Canada, the number of syphilis cases has been increasing, particularly among vulnerable populations like Indigenous communities and individuals experiencing homelessness. Current syphilis tests, which require sending blood samples to laboratories, often result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, existing rapid tests cannot reliably distinguish between active infections versus past or treated infections, complicating care decisions. Our project aims to address these challenges by developing a rapid, accurate and easy-to-use point-of-care test (POCT) that can be used in a clinical setting to detect syphilis antibodies in under 20 minutes. This new test will be able to differentiate between active versus past or treated infections, helping healthcare professionals provide more timely and accurate diagnoses, and enabling same-visit treatment. In the future, we plan to make this technology available for self-testing, allowing individuals, especially in remote and underserved areas, to test themselves with a simple fingerprick. This will improve access to early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing transmission. Our research builds on previous success with biosensor technology, which has already been shown to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting viral and bacterial infections. By improving syphilis testing and care, our project will help reduce the spread of infection, ensure timely treatment, and improve health outcomes for at-risk populations across Canada.