Main Menu

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia), bacteria commonly referred to as pneumococcus, are a significant cause of disease resulting in 1.5 million deaths every year worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The major types of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (infection of the tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord). Less severe pneumococcal illnesses include ear and sinus infections.

CDC researchers have developed probes and primers for detecting the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus in patient samples using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. These primers and probes were originally developed in 2009 and were cleared by the FDA as part of a domestic human diagnostic testing panel in June 2010. These were also updated to increase specificity and/or sensitivity of the detection methods.

H7N9 influenza viruses are predominately avian (bird) pathogens, however, since 2013, they have infected more than 1500 humans with a mortality rate of nearly 40% in confirmed cases. H7N9 viruses continue to be a threat to public health. Treatment for people infected with H7N9-subtype influenza A (H7N9) commonly includes the use of drugs that inhibit neuraminidase, a protein found on the virus’ surface. However, like other influenza viruses, H7N9 can become resistant to these drugs.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax-contaminated spores can be found naturally in soil and they commonly affect domestic and wild animals around the world. Although rare in the United States, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumonia) can cause several different types of infection including chest colds and pneumonia. M. pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. People of all ages are at risk for getting M. pneumonia infection, but it is most common among young adults and school-aged children. Current methods of detecting this agent are laborious and time consuming, so testing is not usually performed. However, knowing whether someone has M. pneumoniae infection is important for choosing the right antibiotic for treatment.

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. In 2016, there were 370 fatal falls out of 991 construction fatalities (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data). These deaths are preventable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers must set up the workplace to prevent employees from falling from overhead platforms, elevated work stations, or into holes in the floor and walls.

The molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET) is an increasingly important tool in biomedical research and in drug discovery and development. Many small molecule drugs and potential PET radiotracers carry trifluoromethyl (CF₃) groups. Because CF₃ groups are generally considered to be metabolically stable, there is a strong interest in developing drugs with these groups.

Lyssaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that cause rabies and rabies-like diseases in mammals. According to the World Health Organization, human rabies caused by the classical rabies virus continues to be almost 100% fatal once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, with no specific treatment available anywhere in the world.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is also a frequent cause of bloodstream, brain and spinal cord, ear, and sinus infections. According to 2015 CDC data, an estimated 900,000 Americans get pneumococcal pneumonia each year and approximately 5-7% die from it annually. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are important for improving patient outcomes.

Human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) is an RNA-based paramyxovirus that causes respiratory infections in children and adults. There are four serotypes that can result in a myriad of diseases of the respiratory tract including croup, bronchitis, and pneumonia (Mao et al., 2012). hPIV is a leading cause of respiratory tract infection and hospitalization among children under 5, only surpassed by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Currently, there are limited treatment options and no approved vaccines.