Kerala, a state known for its excellence in healthcare, has added another feather to its cap by launching the world’s first on-site genomics test for infectious diseases. The test, called ‘infexnTM’, is a collaboration between IIT-Bombay-based Haystack Analytics and NIMS Medicity, a private super-speciality hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

What is ‘infexnTM’ and how does it work?

‘infexnTM’ is a state-of-the-art targeted next generation sequencing test that can detect any bacterial and/or fungal infection along with the relevant antimicrobial resistance genes, within 24 hours. The test is a kit-cum-software solution that can be performed within a hospital, eliminating the need for sending samples to external labs and waiting for days for the results.

The test works by extracting the DNA or RNA from the patient’s sample, such as blood, urine, or sputum, and amplifying it using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified DNA or RNA is then sequenced using a device called MinION, which is a portable and affordable sequencer that can fit in the palm of a hand. The sequenced data is then analysed using a software called Haystack, which can identify the type and strain of the infection, as well as the resistance genes that may render some antibiotics ineffective.

Why is ‘infexnTM’ important and beneficial?

‘infexnTM’ is a revolutionary test that can transform the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Some of the benefits of ‘infexnTM’ are:

It can provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the infection, enabling timely and appropriate treatment and reducing the risk of complications and mortality.
It can help in choosing the most effective antibiotic for the patient, avoiding the trial-and-error approach and preventing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics that can fuel AMR.
It can help in tracking and monitoring the spread and evolution of the infection, as well as the emergence and dissemination of resistance genes, facilitating the surveillance and containment of outbreaks.
It can help in reducing the cost and burden of healthcare, as well as the environmental impact of antibiotic waste.

How is Kerala leading the way in implementing ‘infexnTM’?

Kerala is the first state in India and the world to introduce ‘infexnTM’ as an on-site genomics test for infectious diseases. The test was launched on Thursday at NIMS Medicity, which has established a Centre for Genomic Medicine to offer the test to its patients. The centre is headed by Dr Aneesh Nair, a principal scientist and an expert in genomics and infectious diseases.

Dr Nair said that the test is a game-changer in the field of medicine and that the collaboration with HaystackAnalytics reflects the efforts of NIMS Medicity to bring innovation and advanced technologies to the doorstep of Kerala. He also said that the test is aligned with the national goal of championing antimicrobial stewardship, which is India’s commitment towards the fight against AMR in the G20 presidency.

Dr Mahua Dasgupta Kapoor, the director of medical affairs (infectious diseases) at HaystackAnalytics, said that the test is a made-in-India, made-for-the-world solution that can empower the healthcare ecosystem with advanced definitive diagnostics to achieve tailored antibiotic usage. She also said that the test is a result of years of research and development by a team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians from IIT Bombay, and that they are excited to lead the way in making genome sequencing based diagnostic solutions accurate, applicable, and accessible for masses.