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Shining a light on infectious diseases management

Elevating the lab to meet the rising burden of infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. While much healthcare effort is devoted to preventing the spread of disease and associated treatments, less attention is paid to the impact these infections have on the broader healthcare landscape, particularly on laboratories.

It is critically important that laboratories are equipped to handle sudden surges in demand in worst-case scenarios, such as pandemics. However, gaining support for investments in preventative measures has been a historic challenge. Appropriately, the broad socioeconomic impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic sparked the need for a change in preparedness and investment mindset.

The availability of flexible molecular systems and serology solutions, a broad menu of high-quality IVD and open channel assays, a reliable global supply chain, and expert support can position laboratories for success in addressing current and future infectious disease management, while enabling the scalability to react in an outbreak situation.

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Infectious diseases solutions

Since 1968, Roche has been committed to delivering innovative diagnostics solutions, with a proud history at the forefront of infectious diseases.

From the first real-time PCR instrument to the first compact real-time PCR system for on-demand infectious disease testing at the point of care, we redefined what is possible with automation and infectious disease solutions.

Infectious diseases solutions

With a broad menu of high-quality IVD and open channel assay on flexible molecular systems and serology solutions, Roche is committed to partnering for building strong and resilient healthcare ecosystems.

Infectious diseases solutions

Quality, validation, consultancy expert service and support can help position laboratories for success in addressing current and future infectious diseases management, while enabling scalability to react in an emergency situation. 

Together, we can continue to improve public health and the care of patients everywhere. Together, we can fight to eradicate infectious diseases globally.
Respiratory Tract Infection

Respiratory tract infections

Early, accurate pathogen identification—from laboratories to emergency care and point-of-care settings—is crucial to informing effective respiratory tract infection control.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted infections

Curable infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are estimated to affect more than 376 million people annually, while conditions like HIV face new management challenges with the potential overreliance on and limited adherence to pre-exposure treatments2,3

Most infected individuals have few or no symptoms, making diagnostic testing critical to detect STIs and inform appropriate patient management4

viral hepatitis infection impacting the liver

Viral hepatitis

More than 300 million people are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 9 out of 10 people living with viral hepatitis are unaware.3 Access to high-quality testing and treatment monitoring are important for managing the burden of this disease.4

Congenital infections

Congenital infections

During pregnancy, several pathogens can be vertically transmitted to a fetus or newborn which are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes or consequences to the child.7

The newborn period is often the only point at which laboratory testing and follow-up allow confirmation of a congenital infection.8

Transfusion transmitted infections

Transfusion-transmitted infections

Blood and plasma donations are a selfless and life-saving gift, coming from over 118.5 million donations globally each year.7 Diagnostics is critical in maintaining a safe blood supply.

transplant transmitted infection impacting the kidney

Transplant transmitted infections

An estimated 139,024 solid organ transplants are performed every year worldwide.8 Reliable diagnostic testing performed pre-or post-transplantation plays a key role in safeguarding the gift of life.

Vector Borne Diseases

Vector-borne disease

Vector-borne diseases are caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors. They account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and cause over 700K deaths annually.9 Diagnostics are critical for informing appropriate patient and disease management.

Healthcare associated infections

Healthcare associated infections (HAI)

7-10% of hospitalized patients in developing countries acquire HAIs, and it is the most frequent adverse event in health-care settings worldwide.

Molecular and serological diagnostic solutions are becoming critically important for the testing of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in the battle against antibiotic-resistant agents.

To complicate these infections, approximately 700,000 people die each year globally of antimicrobial-resistant infections – these types of infections are predicted to be a leading cause of death by 2050.11

Gastrointestinal infections

Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections

Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections cause a significant infectious disease burden worldwide. It is important to understand the cause and its prevalence.

ID testing guide

Infectious Diseases Testing Guide

Explore the world of infectious diseases through the Interactive Infectious Diseases Testing Guide and take some of the world’s most notorious infectious agents to the test. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Discover Pathogen-Specific Markers (on the pathogen-specific page select 'Biomarker Time Course'):
    • Understand how diagnostic markers for specific pathogens evolve during infection.
    • Learn how to interpret test results effectively.
  2. Examine Comprehensive Testing Algorithms (on the pathogen-specific page select 'Algorithm Overview'):
    • Access a consolidated overview of testing algorithms for key infectious diseases.
    • Based on international guidelines and expert recommendations, all in one place.
  3. Simulate Diagnostic Sequences (on the pathogen-specific page select 'Testing Simulation'):
    • Walk through example testing sequences for various infections.
    • Gain valuable insights on the recommended path after each step.
Discover the Infectious Diseases Testing Guide

Innovative solutions to address the global burden of disease

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Our innovative medicines and diagnostic tests are only meaningful if they reach the people who need them when they need them – no matter where they live.

 

Severin Schwan
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche Holding AG

References

  1. Roche. Working with suppliers. https://www.roche.com/about/sustainability/suppliers/. Accessed 26 July 2023
  2. World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis). Accessed 26 July 2023
  3. World Hepatitis Alliance. WHA Brief. https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/news/global-fund-brief/. Accessed July 15, 2023.
  4. Easterbrook PJ, Roberts T, Sands A, Peeling R. Diagnosis of viral hepatitis. Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2017;12(3):302-314. doi:10.1097/COH.0000000000000370
  5. Arora N, Sadovsky Y, Dermody TS, Coyne CB. Microbial Vertical Transmission during Human Pregnancy. Cell Host Microbe. 2017;21(5):561-567. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2017.04.007
  6. Ford-Jones EL. An approach to the diagnosis of congenital infections. Paediatr Child Health. 1999;4(2):109-112. doi:10.1093/pch/4.2.109
  7. World Health Organization. Blood safety and availability. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-safety-and-availability. Accessed 26 July 2023
  8. Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation. http://www.transplant-observatory.org/. Accessed 26 July 2023
  9. World Health Organization. Vector-borne diseases. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases. Accessed 26 July 2023
  10. World Health Organization. Health care-associated infections Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-burden-of-health-care-associated-infection-worldwide. Accessed July 15, 2023
  11. World Health Organization. New report calls for urgent action to avert antimicrobial resistance crisis. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/29-04-2019-new-report-calls-for-urgent-action-to-avert-antimicrobial-resistance-crisis. Accessed 26 July 2023
  12. Cloherty G, Chevaliez S, Sarrazin C, et al. Hepatitis C RNA assay differences in results: Potential implications for shortened therapy and determination of Sustained Virologic Response. Sci Rep. 2016;6:35410. doi: 10.1038/srep35410