Laboratory Research
Anova is involved in various projects that aim to improve laboratory diagnostics, and subsequent clinical management, of HIV, TB and STIs.
An important initiative in this regard is aimed at the determination of virological resistance profiles of HIV. Phylogenetic analysis shows a diverse epidemic with no clustering of resistance genes. As for TB, we have addressed the challenges associated with the transport of sputum samples from the clinic to the laboratory for further processing. A molecular transport medium, PrimeStore, was evaluated by Anova with promising results.
We have also contributed to the validation of several molecular tests for the detection of curable STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium) and are currently working on molecular epidemiology of these infections in South Africa through various molecular typing methods:
- Xpert® MTB/RIF detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum collected in molecular transport medium
- Evaluation of Prestoplus assay and LightMix kit Trichomonas vaginalis assay for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in dry vaginal swabs
- Field evaluation of a novel preservation medium to transport sputum specimens for molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a rural African setting
- Improved Detection by Next-Generation Sequencing of Pyrazinamide Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates
- Comparison of GMT presto assay and Roche cobas® 4800 CT/NG assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in dry swabs
- Laboratory evaluation of a specimen transport medium for downstream molecular processing of sputum samples to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis