Species-specific Nucleic Acid Detection Assay for Fungi

This invention pertains to nucleic acid-based assays for the detection of Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi. Assays cover the species-specific detection and diagnosis of infection by Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penecillium, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Cunninghamella, Pseudallescheria or Sporthrix in a subject. This can reduce identification time from several days by conventional culture methods to a matter of hours.

Nucleic Acid-based Differentiation and Identification of Medically Important Fungi

This invention, entailsnucleic acid-based assays, for detecting the presence of pathogenic fungi such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Pneumocystis brasiliensis, and/or Penicillium marneffei within a sample. Within a healthcare setting, this particular approach can greatly reduce pathogen identification time, better direct treatments and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Nucleic Acid Assays for the Detection and Discrimination of Aspergillus Fungi Species within Biological Samples

This invention relates to assays for the detection and species-specific identification of Aspergillus fungi. Accurate clinical diagnosis of Aspergillus species has become increasingly important as certain species, such as A. terreus and A. fumigatus, are resistant to specific commonly employed antifungal compounds. Most contemporary fungal diagnostic methods are time-consuming and inaccurate.

Nucleic Acid-based Compositions and Methods for the Detection of Pathogenic Candida or Aspergillus Fungi Species

This invention pertains to the development of oligonucleotides for the rapid nucleic acid-based identification of Candida or Aspergillus fungi species in biological samples. This identification is accomplished by the targeting the internally transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) region that are unique to various Candida species. The assay is sensitive, specific and rapid. Implementation of the technology will facilitate earlier specific diagnoses, and lead to better antifungal therapy implementation for infected patients.

Nucleic Acid-based Compositions and Methods for the Species-Specific Detection of Pathogenic Candida Fungi

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.

Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Delivery-Vehicles Related to Novel Phlebovirus

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.

Recombinant Pan-Lyssavirus for Use in Rabies and Broad-Lyssavirus Vaccination

CDC researchers have developed recombinant lyssaviruses that can be used for the development of an improved, broad-spectrum vaccine against several rabies genotypes. Lyssaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that cause rabies and rabies-like diseases in mammals. Currently, there are commercially available vaccines that are considered to be effective against infections from a single viral phylogroup; however, these vaccines confer little or no protection against viruses outside of the phylogroup.

Method To Generate Chondrocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hIPSCs) and their use in Repairing Human Injury and Degenerative Diseases

This technology includes a method for differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into stable chondrocytes, capable of producing cartilage, and their use in cartilage repair in human injury and degenerative diseases. In suspension culture, hiPSC aggregates demonstrate gene and protein expression patterns similar to articular cartilage.

The Use of Rabbits with Defined Immunoglobulin Light Chain Genes (C<sub>kappa</sub> b allotypes) to Optimize Production of Chimeric and Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies for Therapeutic, Imaging and Diagnostic Applications

Biological materials are important research tools that can be used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Antibodies have become viable drugs in the market today and there is a general market need for systems that may facilitate production of efficient and effective antibodies. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies have gained significant importance in their use, both as diagnostics and therapeutics, to intervene and combat diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections.