Harnessing CRISPR technology for the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis: advances and implications

Following the discovery of the prokaryotic adaptive immune system known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, this technology has revolutionized biotechnology as a multifaceted genome-editing tool with a wide range of applications. CRISPR technology has not only provided novel treatment options, especially for genetic diseases, but also transformed molecular diagnostic platforms. The specific, sensitive, and adaptable nature of the CRISPR-Cas systems has led to the development of innovative solutions for the detection of diseases, including viral and bacterial infections. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR-Cas systems and mainly focuses on the application of CRISPR-based assays for the detection of Bordetella pertussis, which is the main causative agent of a highly infectious disease, whooping cough. The review emphasizes the need for novel diagnostic tools for B. pertussis, along with highlighting some future perspectives, since its diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific early symptoms and interference from closely related Bordetella species. In this regard, CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms can offer a promising avenue for rapid and accurate detection of B. pertussis, helping the management of whooping cough.