Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Rapid, Highly Sensitive and Specific Detection of Human Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

Human Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a non-polio enterovirus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, especially in infants and children with asthma. Since its identification, every year EV-D68 has been detected sporadically throughout the world. The US experienced a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with a particularly severe respiratory illness from mid-August to early November 2014, with 1,153 confirmed cases in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Although various established detection methods are available for EV-D68, enteroviruses evolve rapidly.

Immunoassay for the Simultaneous Detection of Functional Antibodies against Multiple Serotypes of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> and Other Bacteria Types

Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, is a type of bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Children younger than 2 years old and adults 65 years or older are among those most at risk for disease.

Novel Peptide of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> Surface Adhesion A (PsaA) Protein Associated with Adherence and Uses Thereof – for Vaccine Candidate, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Development

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia), bacteria commonly referred to as pneumococcus, are a significant cause of disease resulting in 1.5 million deaths every year worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The major types of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (infection of the tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord). Less severe pneumococcal illnesses include ear and sinus infections.

The CDC 2009 Influenza A H1N1 (Flu) Pandemic Real-time RT-PCR Panel including Pandemic Influenza A and Pandemic H1 Assays

CDC researchers have developed probes and primers for detecting the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus in patient samples using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. These primers and probes were originally developed in 2009 and were cleared by the FDA as part of a domestic human diagnostic testing panel in June 2010. These were also updated to increase specificity and/or sensitivity of the detection methods.

Simple and Rapid Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-based Assay for <em>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</em> Detection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumonia) can cause several different types of infection including chest colds and pneumonia. M. pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. People of all ages are at risk for getting M. pneumonia infection, but it is most common among young adults and school-aged children. Current methods of detecting this agent are laborious and time consuming, so testing is not usually performed. However, knowing whether someone has M. pneumoniae infection is important for choosing the right antibiotic for treatment.

A Novel Reagent for Labeling PET Tracers at Trifluoromethyl Groups

The molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET) is an increasingly important tool in biomedical research and in drug discovery and development. Many small molecule drugs and potential PET radiotracers carry trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups. Because CF3 groups are generally considered to be metabolically stable, there is a strong interest in developing drugs with these groups.

Real-time PCR Detection of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> with High Sensitivity and Specificity

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is also a frequent cause of bloodstream, brain and spinal cord, ear, and sinus infections. According to 2015 CDC data, an estimated 900,000 Americans get pneumococcal pneumonia each year and approximately 5-7% die from it annually. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are important for improving patient outcomes.

Attenuated Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 1 Expressing Ebola Virus Glycoprotein GP as an Intranasal Ebola Vaccine

Ebola virus (EBOV) hemorrhagic fever is one of the most lethal viral infections and lacks a licensed vaccine. EBOV is transmitted by contact with body fluids from infected individuals including droplets or aerosols. Aerosolized EBOV could also be exploited for intentional virus spread. Therefore, vaccines that protect against mucosal and systemic exposure are needed.

Hybridoma cell lines producing antibodies to RSV NS1

This technology provides a new set of hybridoma cell lines each expressing a single monoclonal antibody against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). These antibodies have variously been shown to detect NS1 protein in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot assay, immunofluorescence microscopy of paraformaldehyde-fixed cells, and flow cytometry. The various antibodies can vary in their efficiency in each of these assays.