Maria Victoria Humbert, a Postdoctoral Researcher within the Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, presented the research project 'Microfluidic Impedance Citometry as a novel technique for rapid detection/identification of pathogens causing microbial keratitis' at the Global-NAMRIP Festival of Early Career Research on 25 June 2019.
The poster can be downloaded via the 'Useful Downloads' link below.
Microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening acute or chronic infection of the cornea. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent visual loss and minimise structural damage of the cornea.
Culture and corneal tissue sampling for direct microscopic detection of pathogens are the current gold standards for microbial keratitis diagnosis. Unfortunately, corneal scraping is an unpleasant procedure that may cause ocular discomfort and, in most cases, ocular pathogens are non-culturable, hampering precise diagnosis.
The aim of our study is to develop a real-time Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry assay as a high-throughput single-cell analytical method that is non-invasive, label-free and does not require bacterial culture. This novel technique has the potential for accurate sensing and rapid diagnosis, thereby granting a more efficient and targeted use of antibiotics.
Authors of this research: Humbert MV, Siracusa F, Spencer D, Hywel M, Christodoulides M and Hossain P.