Conserved Region Primers for Multi-Pathogen Nucleic Acid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for infectious diseases in tropical regions are inadequate, leading to misdiagnoses and delayed detection of emerging pathogens, due to limited capacity for comprehensive pathogen detection and characterization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of primers and probes directed to highly conserved regions among pathogen variants and species, generated through a set cover solving process, for the development of nucleic acid-based detection assays to identify pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional diagnostic methods are used for infectious diseases, then the diagnostic process is simple and easy to perform, but the detection capability is limited and cannot comprehensively identify multiple pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal nucleic acid amplification assay platform that can detect multiple different pathogens (viral and parasitic) using a common set of reagents and procedures. The conserved region primers and probes are designed to target multiple pathogens simultaneously, allowing a single assay to perform comprehensive pathogen detection rather than requiring separate tests for each pathogen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent identifies and targets highly conserved genomic regions across pathogen variants and species, changing the detection parameter from pathogen-specific variable regions to conserved regions. This allows the same primers and probes to amplify and detect multiple different pathogens despite their genetic diversity, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive pathogen detection is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy improves and misdiagnoses are reduced, but the cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines detection of multiple pathogens into a single nucleic acid amplification assay by merging the targeting of conserved regions from different pathogens into universal primers and probes. This consolidation allows comprehensive pathogen detection in one test rather than requiring multiple separate assays, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing overall resource consumption including reagents, time, and laboratory capacity.
3Speed
If rapid pathogen detection is achieved through nucleic acid amplification, then the detection speed increases, but the technical complexity and requirement for specialized equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pathogen detection process into two distinct phases: (1) nucleic acid amplification using PCR or isothermal methods that can be performed with simple equipment, and (2) detection using portable technologies such as CRISPR-based systems or lateral flow assays. This segmentation allows rapid detection to be achieved while minimizing the need for complex specialized equipment, as each segment uses relatively simple, portable technologies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables rapid and accurate detection of multiple pathogens, including viral and parasitic pathogens, in a single assay, improving diagnostic capabilities in resource-limited settings and facilitating early detection of emerging diseases.
Implementation Method 1
use of primers and probes directed to highly conserved regions among pathogen variants and species
Implementation Method 2
nucleic acid amplification assays for detection of pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for generating primers and/or probes for use in analyzing a sample which may comprise a pathogen target sequence comprising providing a set of input genomic sequence to one or more target pathogens, generating a set of target sequences from the set of input genomic sequences, identifying one or more highly conserved target sequences, and generating one or more primers, one or more probes, or a primer pair and probe combination based on the one or more conserved target sequences.