Despite extensive efforts to implement effective on-site biosecurity measures and best management practices, waterborne parasites remain a global health and economic challenge. These pathogens are responsible for a range of debilitating illnesses, and their rapid spread can challenge healthcare systems, making early and accurate diagnosis essential for effective outbreak prevention and management.

Routine diagnostic tests for waterborne parasites often fall short of providing timely, on-site detection, leading to response delays and increased transmission risks. To address this critical gap, the Shiddiky Laboratory is developing an innovative biosensing platform for the quantification and genotyping of waterborne parasites in waters. This portable device represents a transformative advancement in environmental health technology, allowing for rapid, reliable detection of waterborne pathogens directly at the point of need. By supporting on-site diagnostics, this platform will enhance waterborne parasite management practices and enable timely risk prediction.

In addition to rapid detection, this device’s ability to genotype pathogens will provide valuable insights into the diversity and epidemiology of these organisms, enabling targeted interventions and more effective public health responses.