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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.

This CDC-developed invention pertains to multivalent antigenic peptides (MAPs) that can be used in a variety of HIV/AIDS diagnostics. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is subdivided into groups M, N, and O, while HIV-2 is subdivided into subtypes A and B. Within HIV -1 group M, several different subtypes and numerous forms of recombinant viruses exist. To detect all types, groups, and subtypes of HIV by serological methods, a mixture of antigens derived from different viral strains representing different HIV types and subtypes is needed.

CDC scientists have developed a device for simultaneous rapid diagnosis of HIV infection and for identification of recent HIV-1 infection. The device utilizes immunochromatographic or flow-through principles to detect HIV antibodies within clinical samples. This device may be used for diagnosis of HIV infection, as well as to distinguish between recent infection (6 months) and long-term infection (>1 year).

This CDC-developed technology entails a nucleic acid-based HIV-2 in vitro diagnostic assay that is well-suited for use in mobile testing units/vehicles or resource-limited settings, for example, many areas of West Africa. Because HIV-2 requires unique treatment regimens, accurate, early diagnosis is crucial for effective care and directing treatment. Recently, new HIV testing recommendations have been proposed for laboratory settings, which include the use of a HIV-1/HIV-2 discriminatory assay.

A retrovirus can be any of a group of RNA viruses (i.e., HIV) that insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell in order to replicate. Retroviruses can cause persistent and often lifelong infections.

Simian T-cell lymphotropic viruses (STLV) are nonhuman primate retroviruses closely related to the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Types I, II, and III of HTLV have been found in humans and are believed to have originated from cross-species transmission of STLV from infected nonhuman primates. The HTLV viruses are known to cause leukemia, lymphoma, and neurological disorders.

CDC research scientists have developed a method to identify and quantify the activity of pathogenic bacterial adenylate cyclase toxins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bacterial protein toxins are among the most potent natural poisons known, causing paralysis, immune system collapse, hemorrhaging and death in some cases.

This CDC developed invention identifies an assay for extremely fast and sensitive detection of Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LTx), the toxin responsible for the lethal effects of anthrax infection. This assay has already been successfully tested in animals and will allow for early detection of anthrax exposure and screening of lethal factors to monitor anthrax toxicity, for example for vaccine trial candidates.

CDC researchers have improved upon a prior, HHS patented mass spectrometry-based Endopep-MS assay that is able to rapidly detect and differentiate all seven botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types A to G. This current improvement comprises the addition of two optimized substrate peptides that increases the assay's sensitivity,relative to prior substrates, for botulinum neurotoxin type-E (BoNT/E) by greater than 100 fold.