University of Missouri Develops Rapid Detection Test for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Researchers at the University of Missouri are recommending a new CRISPR-based diagnostic test to improve the early detection of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially deadly tick-borne disease, in just 40 minutes. The authors suggest the method could expand access to fast and accurate diagnosis, especially in clinics with limited laboratory resources.

The test utilizes a rapid isothermal RPA–CRISPR-Cas12a assay, which involves mixing DNA from a sample with specialized reagents in two 20-minute steps that can be performed at room temperature without expensive laboratory equipment. After 40 minutes, a change in color indicates a positive detection of the bacteria. According to the researchers, the method is faster, more accessible, and sensitive enough to detect small amounts of bacterial DNA.

The authors recommend adopting the test in rural and under-resourced healthcare settings, where access to advanced diagnostic equipment is limited. They believe earlier diagnosis could lead to faster treatment with doxycycline and improve patient outcomes. The researchers are also exploring its potential use in clinical laboratories to support future routine diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

For more information, read the article from the University of Missouri.