A Charles Sturt University PhD student has found a simple way to detect a parasite, thought to be a potential cause of gum disease and adult tooth loss, during a routine dental check.
The parasite Trichomonas tenax has long been associated with periodontal disease but current tests for the parasite are time-consuming and expensive.
Joshua Slattery is currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy (Science) at the Charles Sturt Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI) in Orange and is expanding on the work he started with his honours project.
This was to develop a precise and accurate, yet simple and cheap, test for the single-celled oral parasite Trichomonas tenax using CRISPR-based technology.
Slattery and his team developed the simple test—a system that lights up when the parasite is present, even in miniscule amounts—to facilitate research on the parasite and provide a practical test for dentists and other clinicians.
Slattery’s PhD project will focus on turning this into a simple test strip, similar to a COVID-19 rapid test, that could be used in clinics or in the field.
“Gum disease is the number one reason adults lose their teeth around the world,” Slattery said.
“This innovation not only helps improve dental care but also highlights Charles Sturt University’s commitment to hands-on research and making a difference in regional communities.”
