Fba1 Protein Detection for Invasive Candidiasis Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for invasive candidiasis are inadequate due to low sensitivity and specificity, leading to delayed treatment and high morbi-mortality rates, as they rely on histological examination and blood cultures, which are invasive and not always reliable, and existing rapid tests often require multiple assays and have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting the presence of the Fructose Biphosphate Aldolase 1 (Fba1) protein in blood or serum samples using a specific monoclonal antibody, which does not require sample pretreatment and can be performed on low volumes, allowing for early and accurate diagnosis of invasive candidiasis, potentially combined with detecting antibodies against Hyphal Wall Protein 1 (Hwp1) for improved diagnostic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If histological examination and blood culture are used for diagnosis, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but diagnostic time is increased and patient outcomes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and detects a specific fungal antigen (galactomannan) from patient serum samples using immunoassay techniques. This extraction approach allows direct detection of the pathogen's presence without requiring time-consuming culture methods, thereby maintaining diagnostic reliability while significantly reducing diagnostic time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological culture system with an immunological detection system. Instead of relying on fungal growth in culture media over several days, the invention uses antibody-antigen recognition to detect fungal presence directly in serum, substituting a slow biological process with a faster immunological assay
2Measurement precision
If multiple rapid assays are combined for diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection of galactomannan antigen and anti-galactomannan antibodies into a single integrated assay system. This merging of multiple detection targets into one test platform maintains high diagnostic accuracy while reducing the complexity of performing separate assays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional assay that simultaneously detects both antigen and antibody markers for invasive fungal infection. This universal test platform can identify different aspects of the infection (active presence vs. immune response) within a single diagnostic procedure, improving accuracy without requiring multiple separate tests
3Productivity
If conventional antigen assays are used, then diagnostic speed is improved, but sensitivity and specificity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs excessive action by detecting both the antigen (galactomannan) and the host's antibodies against it simultaneously. This dual detection approach ensures that even if one marker is present at low levels or temporarily absent, the other can still provide diagnostic confirmation, thereby maintaining high sensitivity and specificity while preserving rapid diagnostic speed
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 a specific and sensitive method for diagnosing invasive candidiasis with high specificity and accuracy, reducing the need for multiple assays and sample pretreatment, thereby facilitating earlier treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence of the Fructose Biphosphate Aldolase 1 (Fba1) protein in blood or serum samples using a specific monoclonal antibody
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an in vitro method for diagnosing invasive candidiasis (IC) in a subject which comprises detecting the presence of circulating Candida Fructose 1-6 biphosphate aldolase 1 (Fba1) in a blood, plasma or serum sample of the subject. The invention also relates to a method of determining a suitable treatment regimen for a patient and to a kit for implanting the methods described herein.