Technology ID
TAB-2698
Nucleic Acid Detection of the Fungal Pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum from Clinical and Environmental Samples
E-Numbers
E-313-2013-0
Lead Inventor
Schafer, Millie (CDC)
Co-Inventors
Reid, Thomas (CDC)
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Occupational Safety and Health
Diagnostics
Consumer Products
Therapeutic Areas
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Infectious Disease
Endocrinology
Dental
Cardiology
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Development Status
In vitro data available
Research Products
Research Equipment
Lead IC
CDC
ICs
CDC
This invention relates to detecting Histoplasma capsulatum by PCR using oligonucleotide probes specific for the fungus. Histoplasmosis is a mycotic infection of varying severity, usually localized in the lungs. Caused by H. capsulatum, infections are usually symptomatic but can develop into chronic disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Test samples may originate from the environment (soil, for example), where H. capsulatum spores are found or from clinical samples obtained from patients. Furthermore, the invention also provides for methods that detect the presence of H. capsulatum in a sample using a nested, or two-stage, PCR assay.
Test samples may originate from the environment (soil, for example), where H. capsulatum spores are found or from clinical samples obtained from patients. Furthermore, the invention also provides for methods that detect the presence of H. capsulatum in a sample using a nested, or two-stage, PCR assay.
Commercial Applications
- Directing antifungal drug therapy for improved patient outcomes
- Occupational health and safety screening for workers who may encounter bird or bat waste
- Screening biological or soil samples for the presence of fungal pathogens
- Environment testing for immunocompromised patients
Competitive Advantages
- Rapid and precise
- Cost-effective
- Easily adapted for H. capsulatum detection kits
- Can positively identify small sample sizes of as few as 10 spores
- High-throughput capable
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