Prof. Xuejun Ma | Pathogens | Research Excellence Award
Dean | Institute of Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention | China
Prof. Xuejun Ma is a distinguished researcher specializing in molecular diagnostics and rapid pathogen detection, with a strong focus on infectious diseases. His work has centered on the development and application of recombinase-aided PCR technologies, enabling highly sensitive, rapid, and culture-independent detection of a wide range of pathogens, including Candida species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and SARS-CoV-2. Prof. Ma has pioneered methods such as dual and multiplex recombinase-aided PCR assays, EvaGreen-dye-based recombinase amplification, and M1 bead enrichment techniques, providing innovative solutions for rapid clinical diagnostics and public health surveillance. His research demonstrates a consistent emphasis on translational applications, including the creation of field-deployable devices for nucleic acid extraction and detection, which significantly enhance the accessibility and speed of pathogen identification. In addition to bacterial and fungal pathogens, Prof. Ma has contributed to understanding viral diversity and infection burden, including studies on HPV prevalence among SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, highlighting the interplay of co-infections and epidemiological trends. His publications in high-impact, open-access journals such as Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Frontiers in Microbiology, and Virology Journal reflect both the novelty and practical relevance of his research. The combination of methodological innovation, clinical applicability, and public health impact positions Prof. Ma as a leading figure in molecular microbiology, demonstrating sustained excellence, scientific rigor, and a significant contribution to the advancement of rapid diagnostic technologies.
Featured Publications
Ma, X.,. (2025). Dual one-step recombinase-aided PCR for rapid detection of Candida in blood. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Ma, X.,. (2025). Development of a novel EvaGreen-dye based recombinase aided amplification assay using self-avoiding molecular recognition system primers. China CDC Weekly.
Ma, X., (2025). Rapid and sensitive identification of Candida in blood based on M1 beads enrichment combined with multiple recombinase-aided PCR: A culture-independent approach. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
Ma, X.,. (2025). A duplex one-step recombinase aided PCR assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of the isoniazid resistance genes katG and inhA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Frontiers in Microbiology.
Ma, X.,. (2024). A retrospective study revealing complex viral diversity and a substantial burden of HPV infection in SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, Sierra Leone. Virology Journal.