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Latest Advances in Infectious Disease Diagnostics: SelectScience Special Feature

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From rare pathogens to pandemic prevention, explore the latest techniques and technologies that are shaping today’s diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases

26 Jun 2019
Frankie MacDonald
Administrator / Office Personnel

Editorial article

Infectious diseases represent a global burden and there is an unmet clinical need for earlier and more rapid diagnostics that can prevent the progression of these diseases. Moreover, there is a need for more accurate identification of the right type of drug to administer to an infected individual, to prevent the emergence of multi-drug resistant species. In this special feature, discover which tools, technologies, and research are helping to build momentum in the battle against infectious diseases.

Microscopic Examination of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is both curable and preventable with the correct vaccinations and treatment of antibiotics. Despite this, TB is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide.

Microscopic examination of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stained smears is one of the first, easiest, cheapest, and fastest methods for demonstrating the presence of mycobacteria in clinical specimens and cultures. The Aerospray TB Series 2 Slide Stainer by ELITechGroup automates the staining routine, without the risk of cross-contamination. Three laboratories recently evaluated the Aerospray TB Series 2, comparing the system to manual staining methods, with the aim of streamlining their TB diagnostic workflows.

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Early Intervention for Vector-Borne and Tropical Diseases

Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever, account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and cause over 700,000 deaths annually. They are often prevalent in the poorest and most hard-to-reach regions of the world, making outbreaks very difficult to treat and control. Therefore, there is a need for low-cost and sensitive diagnostic methods that have little cross-reactivity to other diseases.

To aid the early diagnosis, and therefore effective treatment of these diseases, Biorbyt has developed a range of validated, matched antibody pairs that are designed fro the development of your own immunoassays and to identify potential targets, such as the NS1 protein, for use in early diagnostic tests.

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Quickly Identify Rare Pathogens

Diagnosis of rare pathogens can be laborious and time-consuming due to the diversity of bacteria that can cause infection. The combination of ribosomal RNA gene amplification and sequencing analysis is a frequently used method for pathogen identification. However, contamination of reagents with microbial DNA and large volumes of human DNA negatively impact test sensitivity and specificity.

To address this, Molzym has developed a range of contamination-free kits and reagents. This method incorporates 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing analysis to deliver precise strain identification within hours, with the aim of supporting the development and adjustment of tailored antibiotic regimens for patients with critical conditions.

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RNA In Situ Hybridization Assays for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Acid-fast staining (AFS) provides a rapid method for detecting and identifying mycobacteria in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. While a swift and straightforward method, the results can be difficult to interpret and standard tissue sample preparation can alter acid-fast organisms’ structures, reducing test sensitivity. Additionally, AFS does not currently allow for discrimination between different acid-fast organisms.

Advanced Cell Diagnostics has developed a highly sensitive and specific RNA in situ hybridization (RISH) assay, using its RNAscope technology, in order to address this issue. This method is designed to detect mycobacteria rRNA in FFPE tissues as well as distinguish between mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) or nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM).

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Revolutionary Early Sepsis Biomarker

Sepsis is a leading cause of hospital mortality and without early and effective management it can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death. Clinicians are facing several challenges in recognizing and treating sepsis quickly and, currently, there is an unmet need for rapid diagnostic tests to rule out infection and prevent sepsis progression.

Beckman Coulter’s new Early Sepsis Indicator is a first-of-its-kind, hematologic biomarker that is automatically reported as part of a routine complete blood count. Compared to reviewing the white blood cell count alone, the Early Sepsis Indicator is designed to enable physicians to initiate lifesaving treatments more rapidly.

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More Hot Topics in Infectious Disease Diagnostics:

  • Automation in Routine Molecular Pathogen Testing

Manual cultivation methods in routine pathogen testing regimens are both error-prone and time-consuming. A new kit developed by Molzym, the Micro-DxTM , enables rapid, automated in vitro diagnosis of microbial pathogens without the need for cultivation - minimizing the occurance of false findings. Find out the how the kit performed in this multi-center clinical evaluation study >>

  • Protective Antibody Treatments for Pandemic Prevention

The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center is working to identify antibodies for use as potential complements to vaccines and develop effective medical countermeasures to deal with newly emerging infectious diseases as quickly as possible. Find out more about the project and the Sony SH800 cell sorter>>

  • Rapid HbA1c Test for Diabetes Diagnosis

The first ever point-of-care glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, the Afinion™ HbA1c Dx assay, promises accurate and precise results in just three minutes, allowing clinicians to develop individualized management plans during a patient visit. Find out how Abbott is hoping to set the standard for diabetes diagnostics>>

  • Multiplexed Immunogenicity Screening Assays

Facilitated by the use of Luminex’s xMAP® Technology, the development of multiplexed FLAVI screening assays promises to provide a broad picture of patient status before the administration of a vaccine. Listen to Eric Shaw, of Takeda Vaccines, discuss how this development is set to advance flavivirus vaccination research>>

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.BiosensorsBiosensors are devices used to detect an analyte using biological molecules specific to the analyte coupled to a detector. Biosensor instruments may be photometric, typically using surface plasma resonance (SPR), electrochemical or QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) biosensors. Biosensors should be selective, portable, robust and sensitive and have a fast response time. Systems may be manual or automated and usually have associated software.MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunoassayImmunoassays are laboratory tests that utilize antibody-antigen interactions to detect specific substances. They are widely used in diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug testing, and environmental monitoring. These assays offer rapid, sensitive, and precise detection of biomarkers, making them invaluable in clinical and research labs. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to compare immunoassay systems, read user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.DiabetesDiabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects. Ongoing diabetes innovation focuses on developing better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive measures. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diabetes diagnostic tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.TuberculosisMycotoxinsToxic chemicals such as Aflatoxin and Alkaloids that are produced by fungi are known as mycotoxins. In humid conditions, fungi can proliferate and colonize on crops to levels that can be damaging to human health. Pathogen DetectionPathogen detection is the process of identifying harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause diseases. Accurate pathogen detection is critical for food safety, public health, and clinical diagnostics. Explore pathogen detection products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.SepsisSepsis is a life-threatening response to infection causing organ dysfunction. Research focuses on early detection, biomarkers, and therapies to reduce mortality. Explore tools for sepsis diagnostics and analysis in our peer-reviewed product directory, including detection kits and biomarkers.FFPEFormalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are commonly used in medical research, particularly in histology and cancer studies. The preservation process allows long-term storage of tissue samples for later analysis. Explore FFPE research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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