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CDC researchers have developed technology for sero-diagnosis of typically symptomless latent stage tuberculosis disease, posing a threat to individuals under immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapies. Specifically, this diagnostic approach exploits M. tuberculosis secreted latency specific antigens, such as alpha-crystallin, in the blood or urine of patients.

CDC scientists have developed multiple antigenic peptide immunoassays for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). HIV can be subdivided into two major types, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both of which are believed to have originated as result of zoonotic transmission. Humans are increasingly exposed to many different SIVs by wild primates. For example, human exposure to SIVs frequently occurs as a consequence of the bush meat hunting and butchering trade in Africa.

CDC researchers have developed a novel method that generates globally amplified DNA copies retaining parental methylation information; making accurate DNA-archiving for methylation studies much more feasible and cost-effective than undertaking such an endeavor with alternate technologies. This unique approach eliminates a significant bottleneck in the collection of methylation information in the genome(s) of an individual organism, hosts and pathogens.

CDC scientists have developed synthetic/recombinant polypeptides that can be used for the creation of inexpensive, high-quality cysticercosis diagnostic assays. Taenia solium is a species of pathogenic tapeworm. Intestinal infection with this parasite is referred to as taeniasis and it is acquired by ingestion of T. solium cysticerci found in raw and undercooked pork, or food contaminated with human or porcine excrement. Many infections are asymptomatic, but infection may be characterized by insomnia, anorexia, abdominal pain and weight loss.

This invention provides materials, methods, and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and simian immunodeficiency virus-cpz (SIV-cpz). Specific nucleic acid primers for hybridization, amplification, and detection of HIV-1 are also provided for. The nucleic acid amplification assays can detect small concentrations of HIV-1 and are also useful for quantitative examinations of viral load concentrations within biological samples.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus primarily infects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. The disease causes abortion and death among RVF-infected livestock, resulting in substantial economic loss to people living in many parts of Africa and Arabian Peninsula. Currently, there is no commercial vaccine for RVF. CDC scientists have developed a RVF virus replicon particle (VRP) vaccine candidate.

CDC scientists have developed recombinant flavivirus nucleic acids for the generation of broad protective immunity against flaviviruses, as well as the development of sensitive serologic diagnostic tools. Mosquito borne viral encephalitis is often caused by a flavivirus, such as Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus or West Nile virus. Infection by these pathogens is often lethal to both humans and animals.

This novel assay features real-time PCR reagents and methods for detecting drug-resistance related mutations in HIV, for newly diagnosed patients and those individuals currently receiving antiretroviral therapies. As the use of antiretroviral compounds to treat HIV infection proliferates, viruses adapt and evolve mutations limiting the efficacy of these drugs and disrupting the success of treatment.

This CDC-developed technology relates to novel vaccines or boosters directed against pulmonary tuberculosis. There is currently only a single vaccine against tuberculosis, the (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) BCG vaccine. Reports suggest widely variable effectiveness for the BCG vaccine and that BCG administration has very limited success against prevention of the primary pulmonary form of the disease.

This CDC developed collection device is a small (approximately 1 cubic foot) open-sided container that attracts mosquitoes seeking a daytime resting location. The container is dark-colored and constructed of molded wood-fiber or recycled, high-density plastic. Mosquitoes that enter the dark space of the container are aspirated through a battery-powered fan into a collection receptacle. The receptacle is especially attractive to Culex and Anopheles mosquitos' vectors of West Nile Virus and malaria parasites, respectively.