JC Virus causes a fatal disease in the brain called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) that occurs in many patients with immunocompromised conditions. The finding of JCV DNA in the patients with neurological symptoms of PML is a diagnostic criterion and is needed to confirm the diagnosis of PML to rule out other neurological conditions. Certain JC virus variants are known to have a greater association with PML. For example, "Prototype" JC virus is far more pathogenic than "Archetype" JC virus.

The invention provides novel vectors, attenuated pathogens, compositions, methods and kits for preventing and/or treating chlamydia infections.

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection causes fifth disease, a disease characterized by rashes to the face and other parts of the body that primarily affects children. However, adults can also develop fifth disease and it can lead to more severe conditions. Patients that are immunocompromised, such as those who are HIV infected, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients, can be particularly susceptible to more severe outcomes from B19V infection. Infection can also cause anemia and in pregnant women, it can lead to hydrops fetalis.

This technology describes recombinant viruses that have weakened ability to establish and/or maintain latency and their use as live vaccines. The viruses have one or more genetic mutations that allow for continued replication but that inhibit latency. The vaccine materials and methods for their construction are exemplified with the virus that causes chickenpox and whose latent infection results in shingles, a condition that affects up to an estimated 1 million people per year in the United States alone. Additionally, there are veterinary applications of this technology.

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.

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.

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.

Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading many viruses that can make people sick, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) new autocidal gravid ovitrap (AGO) mosquito trap is an inexpensive, simple-to-assemble, and easy-to-maintain trap that targets female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay eggs. The current trap model stands 18 inches (45cm) tall and is made of a 5-gallon (18L) bucket. The AGO trap's unique design lures mosquitoes by using water and an all-natural, organic hay attractant.

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.

CDC scientists have developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific real-time PCR assay that is capable of detecting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determining its resistance profile to antibiotics, such as rifampicin and isoniazid. Currently, there are few assays available that are capable of both detecting M. tuberculosis and determining the bacteria's drug resistance. This assay incorporates multiple fluorescent chemistries, providing a simple and cost-effective method of determining the bacteria's drug resistance.