Student elective for Martin Scott. (360G-Wellcome-081240_Z_06_Z)

Standardisation and application of multiplex PCR as a rapid diagnostic test for the detection of infectious agents in the intraocular fluids of clinically suspected infectious retinitis patients Aravind Eye Care system is based in Tamil Nadu, South India. The organisation has a network of hospitals throughout the State which, in terms of surgical volume and the number of patients treated, are the most productive eye care centres in the World. Aravind's goal is to eradicate needless blindness based on the philosophy that all patients are afforded the same care and service regardless of their economic status. As well as providing clinical services, Aravind, is also a research institute contributing towards the further development of eye care. My elective project will be based at Aravind's headquarters in Madurai and will comprise part of their microbiological research programme investigating viral retinitis. Aims: 1. To standardise and apply PCR for the detection of Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii, in the intraocular fluids of patients diagnosed with infectious retinitis. 2. To standardise and apply multiplex PCR technique for rapid identification of the viral agents.