Novel Targets to Prevent Borrelia burgdorferi Infection and Lyme Disease

B. burgdorferi-infected ticks can cause Lyme disease in mammalian hosts. This technology relates to the use of B. burgdorferi outer surface proteins (BBA64 and BBA66) as Lyme disease vaccine candidates. In vivo animal studies demonstrate these outer surface proteins inhibit tick-to-host B. burgdorferi transmission. Presently, there is no vaccine approved for Lyme disease.

Human Monoclonal Antibodies That Recognize Influenza A Viruses for Vaccine, Therapeutic, and Diagnostic Development

Human influenza A is one of two influenza virus types that cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as flu season) almost every winter in the United States. Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics (i.e., global epidemics of flu disease). (Source.)

Hybridomas Producing Antibodies to Neuraminidase for Influenza A (H3N2) Diagnostics, Vaccine, and Therapeutic Development

Influenza A and B viruses can cause seasonal flu epidemics ― commonly known as the “flu season” ― and infect the nose, throat, eyes, and lungs in humans. Typically, flu seasons that are dominated by influenza A (H3N2) virus activity have higher associated hospitalizations and deaths in at-risk groups, such as people ages 65 and older and young children. Influenza A (H3N2) virus can also cause respiratory disease in animals, such as canines and swine.

Methods for near real-time aerosol chemical analysis for environmental and occupational monitoring

­Exposures to hazardous airborne particles can pose a significant health risk to those routinely exposed in ambient air and industrial work environments. Measuring chemical composition and concentration of aerosol particles is important to preventing worker exposures and protecting health.

Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection of Antiretroviral Integrase Inhibitors

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical component in the fight against HIV but is only effective if persons prescribed PrEP are adhering to the regimens to maintain appropriate drug levels. As PrEP regimens have moved from daily pills to longer lasting injections, the ability to quickly measure and monitor the circulating drug levels of PrEP drugs has increased importance.

Simultaneous Detection of Non-pneumophila Legionella Strains Using Real-time PCR

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. CDC scientists have developed a real-time multiplex PCR assay for diagnosis and identification of Legionella strains. The assay consists of five sets of primers (targeting L. bozemanii, L. dumoffii, L. feeleii, L. longbeachae, or L. micdadei) and corresponding probes. Each probe is labeled with a different fluorophore which allows the detection of a particular strain in a single tube reaction.

Use of Vitronectin as a Biomarker for the Detection of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe, potentially deadly infection spread by mosquitos. CDC scientists have identified vitronectin as an important biomarker of DHF. They have shown vitronectin is significantly reduced in DHF and severe dengue infections when compared to dengue non-hemorrhagic fever patients. Presently, DHF is established by assessing antibody concentrations and other rule-of-thumb criteria, but often these assays can be difficult to interpret and lead to false conclusions.

Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for Detection of Noroviruses

A specific and sensitive TaqMan-based real-time (rt) RT-PCR assay has been developed by CDC scientists for detection of noroviruses in clinical and environmental specimens. This assay can be implemented to rapidly detect and distinguish norovirus strains from genogroups I and II, which are responsible for the majority of human infections. Additionally, the assay is multiplexed with an internal extraction control virus (coliphage MS2) to validate the results of the assay.

Multiplex Assay for Detection of Dengue Virus

Dengue virus (DENV) is the cause of dengue illness (dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome). CDC researchers have developed a RT-PCR multiplex assay that, prior to sero-conversion, selectively detects dengue virus in biological or other fluid media, such as whole blood, plasma, or serum. The primers and probes from this assay are sufficiently specific to amplify and detect all four DENV serotypes. This FDA-approved technology may provide an improved method for rapid and accurate serotyping of dengue virus in clinical and research settings.