Abstract

Host Biomarker Detection as Diagnostic Indicators of Infection

Karen Kempsell, Senior Project Team Leader, Public Health England

Host Biomarkers have been used in diagnosis of disease and other conditions for many decades e.g. blood gases, creatinine, CRP, PCT. Clinical diagnoses already rely heavily on these for patient disease management and informing treatment and care pathways. There is a historic precedent for their use e.g. Lateral flow devices (LFDs) e.g. pregnancy test i.e. hCG. Detection of these markers are useful as diagnostic tools, particularly in incidences where infections are hard to diagnose e.g. extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis. The market for biomarker-based biosensor devices is considerable and interest in further diagnostic opportunities is mounting. Here we present evidence to support the use of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and outline translational pipelines and platforms and issues with route to market, particularly for new Tuberculosis diagnostics.