Arthropod-borne diseases can cause significant morbidities in human and animal populations worldwide and several such diseases are known to occur in the Philippines. While attention is mainly given to those transmitted by mosquitoes, including dengue and malaria, significant knowledge gaps on other arthropod-borne diseases require investigation. Unfortunately, the diagnostic capability of many laboratories in the Philippines is limited, with only a few employing advanced molecular techniques known for accuracy, high sensitivity, and specificity. There is a need for more efficient, cost-effective, and highly reliable diagnostic methods that can be applied in the field, as rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial to facilitate treatment as soon as possible. As a Visiting Research Scholar under Professor Wataru Yamazaki, I will undergo hands-on training on the development of a point-of-care diagnostic method, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which is accurate, rapid, and cost-effective. Specifically, I will be trained on:
1. Rapid DNA extraction from blood and other biological samples
2. Design of LAMP primers for zoonotic arthropod-borne diseases
3. Use of simple techniques for rapid visualization of LAMP results
This training as a Visiting Research Scholar will allow me to conduct more studies on the diagnosis and surveillance of arthropod-borne diseases, and possibly other infectious diseases. Following the training, I will further contribute to capacity building as a mentor and researcher in the Philippines.