Project layout

The goal of this PREPARE-TID project is to establish a pipeline for the rapid detection and identification of new transboundary infection diseases based on:

1. Rapid identification of infectious agents causing an outbreak by means of an innovative next generation sequencing mobile platform that can be easily deployed at Point-of-Need settings.
2. Subsequent rapid adaptation and deployment of point-of-care nucleic acid amplification tests, by means of a smartphone-based tool and a rapid multiplex platform.
3. Deployment of advanced surveillance programmes based on a comprehensive digital “One Health” platform.

To achieve the objectives of the project, the project participants will collaborate in the following work packages (WPs). Management and coordination by the coordinator and the management committee consisting of the work package leaders in WP1 will oversee the following WPs:

WP2 will develop simple extraction protocols applicable for both nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) and next generation sequencing (NGS). The aim is to address lysis and extraction of all pathogens and sample types by two dedicated lysis buffers. Furthermore, the extraction protocols and use of reagents shall be automated in a small and mobile extraction instrument. The outcome of this WP will be the basis of WP3-5.

WP3 will develop tools to accelerate isothermal amplification design, production and testing in the field as a key response tool for outbreak response. The knowledge will support the preparations for the pathogen X in WP7.

WP4 will develop a versatile and modular surveillance platform based on ready-to-use multiplex PCR cartridges for surveillance of infectious agents with pandemic potential. As a result, the developed tool will support the decision making in WP7.

WP5 will optimise assemble and test a mobile NGS suitcase lab in clinical trials with selected partners across a global range. An offline fast sequencing data analysis platform will be also developed and tested.

WP6 will design a database and a mobile application for transboundary infectious diseases (TID) surveillance and communication that is appropriate and sustainable for the selected contexts and based on a one health approach.

WP7 will fuse elements of WP2-WP6 to create a pipeline for rapid identification of caustic agent of an outbreak and rapid development of point of need molecular diagnostics as well as deliver the results through the One Health Digital Platform.

WP8 will focus on the communication and dissemination especially to local and international stakeholder as well as synergy with other EU funded grants.