Passionate scientist develops rapid tests

Dr Jonathan Chen Hon-kwan
Scientific Officer-in-charge (Microbiology)
Queen Mary Hospital

Working closely with renowned bacteria and virus ‘detectives’ Prof Yuen Kwok-yung, Chair Professor of Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong and Dr Vincent Cheng, Chief of Service, Department of Microbiology of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), Dr Jonathan Chen, Scientific Officer-in-charge (Microbiology) of QMH, engages himself in tracing the origins of bacteria and viruses in the laboratory every day. Not only does he work to identify ‘enemies’, but he also invents effective and efficient rapid molecular test technology at low costs with his team for more accurate test results to backup frontline colleagues who are at war with diseases.

From Prof Yuen and Dr Cheng, Dr Chen recognises the importance of giving prompt responses in disease control. “The battle against SARS has taught us an important lesson: we have no time to waste when it comes to controlling the spread of disease. That’s why we always need to be well-prepared for any potential outbreak. Only when we develop biomolecular rapid test technology to analyse samples of patients and the environment can build up a solid shield against epidemics.” With this thought in mind, Dr Chen and his team have developed more than 10 low-cost, effective and efficient rapid molecular tests. “Take the rapid molecular test for mycobacterium tuberculosis as an example, the cost per sample test through purchasing technologies available in the market stands at $500, while our self-developed test with even higher sensitivity and accuracy incurs only one fifth of the market price at $100.” This practice allows quicker access to test results because it can be conducted in hospitals without the need to transfer samples to the Government Laboratory. Frontline colleagues can thus provide appropriate treatment to patients as soon as they receive the reports.

Other self-developed rapid tests include those for identifying Carbapenem-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Legionella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and sporadic imported cases of Psittacosis. This new technology helps save the time for cultivating bacteria and viruses.

Jokingly, Dr Chen metaphorically compares his team‘s energy in dealing with epidemics and tracing the origins to that of volcanic eruptions. “In 2015, a few patients in the hospital were infected by Zygomycosis. We investigated the origin of the virus from contaminated linen items and identified the source at Shum Wan Laundry. We then stayed there overnight to collect thousands of samples and subsequently tested samples of quilts, clothes and surroundings from all HA laundries within a week to cease outbreak.”

Dr Chen gives his all to tracking down the origins of diseases because of the work satisfaction he earns in return and his heart to serve the community. He remained immovable even when headhunters of international medical institutions approached him.