The CRISPR-based platform combats antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired infections by delivering results within two hours, enabling faster and targeted treatment for patients
Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup CrisprBits has developed PathCrisp, a platform for CRISPR-based molecular diagnostics for early detection of antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired infections.
Carbapenems, a class of antibiotics, often serve as the last line of defence against multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase AMR(NDM) driven carbapenem resistance is a major concern in hospitals across India, contributing significantly to the antimicrobial resistance burden. The enzyme enables bacteria to break down carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics, severely limiting treatment options and posing a significant challenge in clinical settings.
The study was a collaborative research between CrisprBits with Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Puttaparthi, and Asoka University, NCR region.
Dr Reety Arora, Principal Scientist at CrisprBits and corresponding author of the study, said, “With the growing need for rapid AMR detection, PathCrisp emerges as a reliable molecular diagnostic tool for clinical applications PathCrisp offers a fast and accurate alternative to traditional methods, leveraging CRISPR-Cas technology for unparalleled precision and instrument-light adaptability making it well suited for point of care diagnostics. The test provides an end-to-end solution, delivering results within two hours. It operates at a constant temperature, eliminating the need for a thermocycler, and works directly on various samples, including bacterial cultures.”
“The rising burden of carbapenem-resistant infections is driving up healthcare costs, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing ICU admissions and mortality. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as bacterial culture and PCR-based testing, can take 24–72 hours, delaying critical treatment decisions. In this scenario, a rapid and highly accurate test like PathCrisp, developed by CrisprBits, can enable direct detection from clinical samples without expensive equipment or prolonged culture processes, ensuring early recognition and targeted therapy. It is an exciting development with the potential to change clinical practice,” said Dr Ramakrishna Prasad, Global Medical Director, Swasti & Co-Chair, WONCA SouthAsia Region - Research, a leading medical expert in infectious disease in Bangalore.
“The simple workflow of PathCrisp makes it highly versatile, with potential applications across healthcare, one-health, and surveillance settings. As the platform continues to evolve, it is poised to become a robust point-of-care diagnostic tool,” noted Vandana Hegde, Head of Business Development, CrisprBits.
