CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of sexually transmitted infections: a laboratory development and evaluation study

SJ Low; MT O’Neill; JA Fernando; WJ Kerry; J Prestedge; N Wild; S Chahal; GL Pollock; G Papadakis; M Krysiak; E Williams; F Azzato; T Tran; C Fairley; C Bradshaw; MY Chen; CK Lim; DA Williamson; S Pasricha

Journal article

CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of sexually transmitted infections: a laboratory development and evaluation study

SJ Low, MT O’Neill, JA Fernando, WJ Kerry, J Prestedge, N Wild, S Chahal, GL Pollock, G Papadakis, M Krysiak, E Williams, F Azzato, T Tran, C Fairley, C Bradshaw, MY Chen, CK Lim, DA Williamson, S Pasricha

Lancet Microbe | Elsevier BV | Published : 2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101289

Abstract

Background Timely, point-of-care diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for enabling prompt treatment and reducing transmission. We aimed to develop a portable, multiplexed, CRISPR-based assay panel for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (including the ciprofloxacin resistance marker gyrA S91F), Chlamydia trachomatis , Treponema pallidum , and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Methods In this laboratory development and evaluation study, we developed and optimised four multiplexed, CRISPR-based, diagnostic STI assays for point-of-care use. The complete assay panel comprised a CRISPR TP–HSV (cTP–HSV) panel for the detection of T pallidum and pan-HSV, with reflex testing t..

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