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This invention pertains to the development of oligonucleotides for the rapid nucleic acid-based identification of the Candida fungi species C. haemulonii, C. kefyr, C. lambica, C. lusitaniae, C. norvegensis, C. norvegica, C. rugosa, C. utilis, C. viswanathii, C. zeylanoides, C. dubliniensis, and C. pelliculosa within biological samples. This identification is accomplished by the targeting the internally transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) region that are specific for each species.

This CDC invention relates to primers and probes that specifically hybridize with Heartland virus (HRTLDV), a unique member of the genus Phlebovirus. It further relates to polyclonal antibodies specific for HRTLDV proteins. Serological detection assays using HRTLDV nucleic acid molecules, proteins, probes, primers, and antibodies are provided. Importantly, the HRTLDV genome can be engineered using reverse genetics to be attenuated, allowing development of a vaccine for other viruses within the Phlebovirus genus or Bunyaviridae family.

In order to develop a simple detection assay for field use, CDC researchers cloned and sequenced the Taenia solium T24 diagnostic protein. The T24 sequences can be used to detect and diagnose T. solium infection or can be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition. T. solium is a species of tapeworm. Intestinal infection with T. solium is referred to as taeniasis. Many taeniasis infections are asymptomatic but may be characterized by insomnia, anorexia, abdominal pain and weight loss. Cysticercosis infection, which can be fatal, may develop if T.

CDC scientists have developed a one-step TaqMan quantitative/real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay for detecting hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA. Additionally, a quantifiable synthetic RNA control to determine viral load has been created.

This invention relates to a recombinant, attenuated rabies vaccine that is also capable of inhibiting reproductive fertility. An Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) rabies vaccine backbone, combined with a reproductive-specific protein, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or the sperm-binding zona-pellucida-glycoprotein-3 (ZP3) receptor, allows reduction in both rabies transmission and uncontrolled reproduction in stray animals. The ERA rabies vaccine backbone has previously shown strong efficacy in animal studies.

CDC researchers developed a more efficient method of assessing rabies vaccine potency using an antigen-capture electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay. This assay utilizes SULFO-NHS-Ester labeled murine monoclonal antibodies to quantify glycoprotein concentration, which is an indicator of vaccine potency. Currently, the potency of rabies vaccines is determined by the effective-dose (ED50) mouse study evaluation method, which is more than 50 years old.

This invention relates to methods and compositions for rapid detection of HIV nucleic acids in a biological sample. Specifically, it involves the use of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of HIV-1 and/or HIV-2. The use of rapid HIV tests is highly attractive for screening of patient samples, especially in developing countries where resources are limited, because they are quick, easy to perform, and do not require any special equipment.

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.

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.

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.