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MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Faster diagnosis of meningococcal disease with gold
Research by RMIT University PhD graduate and Bundoora resident, Sapna
Thoduka, has developed a diagnosis method to detect meningococcal meningitis
disease early on. The method uses a change in the colour of gold nanoparticle
solution to indicate the presence of meningococcal DNA.
The change in colour of the gold nanoparticle solution can be detected by the
naked eye and the technique is being developed further for use in a point of care
clinical setting, for the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis.
“In the future, this will hopefully lead to more rapid detection of meningococcal
disease and earlier treatment, which will ultimately result in fewer deaths and less
severe complications,” Dr Thoduka said.
Meningococcal meningitis is a disease that progresses rapidly and that causes
death if left untreated. Even if treated, it can still lead to severe complications. By
diagnosing the disease early, it’s possible to prevent death or severe complications
by giving patients the most appropriate treatment.
“I was interested in pursuing this research because of the severe nature of this
disease and its rapid onset, as well as the multidisciplinary aspect of the research,”
Dr Thoduka said.
“My research involved applying knowledge about the unusual physical properties of
gold nanoparticles and chemical interactions between DNA and the gold
nanoparticles, to develop a method for detecting specific DNA sequences,” she
said.
For her research project Dr Thoduka worked with Nanotechnology Victoria.
“I was fortunate that Nanotechnology Victoria was interested in my research. I also
hope that the detection method I’ve developed can be expanded to be used in the
diagnosis of other diseases in the future,” she said.
Along with more than 5,500 other graduates, Dr Sapna Thoduka will celebrate her
achievements at RMIT’s spectacular Graduation Ceremony at Etihad Stadium on
the evening of Wednesday, 16 December.
For interviews or comment: Dr Sapna Thoduka, 0424 609 119.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Deborah
Sippitts (03) 9925 3116 or 0429 588 869.
9 December, 2009
NEWS 
