Capture Probes for ESBL Gene Detection via Hybridization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) in bacteria are slow, expensive, and unable to accurately discriminate between different beta-lactamase genes, making them inadequate for timely patient treatment and hospital hygiene applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of assays and methods using hybridization of nucleotide sequences to capture probes, enabling real-time PCR and microarray-based detection of ESBL nucleic acids, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple ESBL families and identification of specific gene variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classical phenotyping methods are used to detect ESBL, then detection can be performed, but the results are slow and too late for practical patient treatment advice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces classical phenotyping methods (mechanical/cultural methods requiring days of incubation) with molecular biology methods (PCR-based detection) that can identify ESBL genes directly from DNA samples, reducing detection time from days to hours while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary genetic detection of ESBL genes before clinical treatment decisions are made, allowing advance identification of resistant strains so that appropriate antibiotic therapy can be selected proactively rather than waiting for slow phenotypic results
2Reliability
If phenotyping methods are used, then ESBL detection is possible, but the methods are expensive and require specialized laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive, specialized phenotyping procedures with more affordable PCR-based genetic detection that can be performed in routine clinical laboratories, making ESBL detection accessible to a broader range of healthcare facilities without requiring specialized reference laboratories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DNA copying (PCR amplification) of ESBL gene sequences to detect resistance, replacing the need for expensive phenotypic testing equipment and materials, thereby reducing costs while maintaining detection reliability
3Reliability
If phenotyping methods are used, then ESBL detection can be performed, but they cannot clearly discriminate between various beta-lactamases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by designing specific PCR primers and probes for different ESBL gene families (TEM, SHV, CTX-M, OXA), allowing precise discrimination and identification of specific beta-lactamase types rather than just detecting ESBL activity in general
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces non-specific phenotypic detection with specific genetic detection using sequence-targeted PCR methods, enabling clear discrimination between different beta-lactamase gene types based on their unique nucleotide sequences
4Reliability
If phenotyping methods are used, then ESBL detection is possible, but they require a high level of expertise to execute and interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex phenotypic testing procedures requiring expert interpretation with PCR-based genetic detection that produces objective, binary results (presence/absence of specific genes), significantly reducing the expertise level required for execution and interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DNA sequence copying and comparison against known ESBL gene databases, replacing subjective expert interpretation of phenotypic patterns with automated, objective genetic sequence analysis that is easier to standardize and interpret
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 provides rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of ESBL nucleic acids, enabling timely patient treatment and effective infection control by identifying the specific ESBL genes responsible for antibiotic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
hybridization of nucleotide sequences to capture probes, enabling real-time PCR and microarray-based detection of ESBL nucleic acids
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to assays, compositions and methods for the detection and discrimination of specific gene sequences encoding antibiotic resistance in a sample. The nucleotide sequences encoding antibiotic resistance genes are uniquely identified. In particular, these sequences are hybridized to capture probes, enabling real-time PCR. For this purpose, the capture probes may also be covalently linked to amplification primers. Alternatively, detection of amplified products with hybridization to capture probes may be performed after amplification by hybridization to capture probes bound to a solid support such as microarrays and microspheres (beads). Finally, detection of amplification products during amplification in real-time using capture probes may be combined with detection of such amplification products after amplification using the same and/or different capture probes.