A simple test for identifying bronchitis is being developed by a McMaster researcher for use in developing countries.

Parameswaran Nair, Canada Research Chair in Airway Inflammometry, is developing a paper-based diagnostic test to detect infective and allergic bronchitis in both adults and children.

Nair wants to print a protein onto a strip of paper that can be dipped into phlegm. The resulting colour of the paper would indicate the presence or infection.

This may eliminate the need to send tests to labs.

The work has received a $100,000 grant from the federal Grand Challenges Canada’s global health care program.

The study involves John Brennan, professor of chemistry and chemical biology, as well as collaborators in India and Brazil.

It is one of 83 projects announced by Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), an agency dedicated to supporting bold ideas with big impact in global health. GCC supports innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada to find sustainable, long-term health care solutions.