VALIDATE Seminar: Developing novel 'point of need' molecular tools for monitoring treatment efficacy in Skin NTDs

In 2022, VALIDATE initiated the project: “Develop novel test for PKDL/Leprosy diagnosis”. This project, led by Prof Chatterjee, aims to address the challenge of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in South-East Asia. PKDL cases can harbor parasites, perpetuating the transmission cycle of the disease. The team plans to develop a field-applicable diagnostic tool, building on a validated isothermal amplification-based assay. Additionally, considering the clinical overlap between PKDL and leprosy, the project includes the development of a combined diagnostic test for both diseases. The ultimate goal is to provide a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic tool that can aid in monitoring and treating these neglected tropical diseases, contributing to the Kala Azar Elimination Programme and WHO Global Leprosy Strategy.

In this seminar, Mitali and Ahmed will discuss the PKDL and Leprosy field assays developed by the project and dig into the underlying science.

Register using the online form below.

About the Speakers

Prof Mitali Chatterjee is a Professor of Pharmacology at IPGMER, Kolkata, India. Mitali specializes in immunopharmacology with a focus on Leishmaniasis. Her research group has developed DNA-based assays for PKDL diagnosis and plays a central role in West Bengal's Leishmaniasis surveillance, contributing vital information on parasite load for measuring treatment effectiveness.

Dr Ahmed Abd El Wahed, received his PhD in biology from Goettingen University, Germany in 2011. He established a mobile suitcase laboratory for the rapid detection of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. His model has been deployed in several African and Asian countries. He also has a focus on epitope mapping after immunisation and vaccination to identify the best candidate for vaccines using microarrays.