Gene Copy Number Model for Rapid Meropenem Sensitivity Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting bacterial resistance, particularly in Klebsiella strains against meropenem, are slow, costly, and lack accuracy, making it difficult to meet the needs for rapid and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of infections.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using an Exp(-k) power value calculation based on gene copy numbers of mphA, marA, Klebsiella pneumoniae KpnE, KPC-1, and floR genes, calculated through second-generation high-throughput sequencing, to predict sensitivity to meropenem, with a result output unit determining sensitivity or resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional bacterial drug sensitivity testing methods (agar dilution method, broth dilution method, concentration gradient method) are used to obtain accurate MIC values, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to long testing time and requirement for pure culture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIC value accuracyVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/cultural methods (agar dilution, broth dilution requiring pure culture and incubation) with a molecular biology-based detection system that uses specific gene sequences as markers. This substitution enables rapid detection without requiring pure culture, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining accuracy through validated gene markers associated with meropenem resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification of resistance by detecting specific gene markers (such as blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like) before conducting full sensitivity testing. This preliminary action using gene detection allows for rapid screening and prioritization, reducing the need for time-consuming confirmatory tests while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If VITEK-2 compact fully automated bacterial identification/drug sensitivity system is used to simplify operation and reduce time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to influence from sample status and bacterial culture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoididentification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and detects specific resistance-related gene sequences (such as blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like, blaIMP, blaVIM) from the bacterial genome independently of the overall bacterial culture status. This extraction approach allows for accurate resistance detection even when sample quality or culture conditions are suboptimal, as the gene detection is not dependent on viable bacterial growth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses specific gene markers as intermediaries to indicate meropenem resistance. These gene markers serve as reliable mediators that connect the presence of resistance mechanisms to the detection result, providing accurate identification independent of sample status variations. The validated gene markers act as stable intermediaries that bridge the gap between genetic potential and phenotypic expression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive pathogenic microorganism detection is performed to meet wide coverage needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal detection platform that can identify multiple types of pathogens and resistance mechanisms through a single molecular biology-based system. By using conserved genetic markers and standardized detection protocols, the system achieves wide coverage for different Klebsiella species and resistance types without requiring separate testing systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12482537B2System of predicting sensitivity of <i>Klebsiella </i>against MeropeneM and method
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HANGZHOU MATRIDX BIOTECH CO LTD
  • US12482537B2 patent drawing
  • US12482537B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system of predicting sensitivity of Klebsiella against meropenem includes comprises a computer readable storage medium on which is stored a computer program. An Exp (−k) power value calculation method is implemented when the computer program is executed by a processor. The Exp(−k) power value calculation method comprises-includes following computing steps: S1: k value is calculated according to formula I,k=-1.44+0.708×(C⁢1-0.2522.567)-0.66×(C⁢2-0.9815.69)+0.088×(C⁢3-0.9520.652)+3.048×(C⁢4-0.4691.095)-0.46×(C⁢5-0.2960.67)S2: Exp(−k) power value with natural constant e as base and −k as exponent is calculated.