Gene Expression Assay for Bacterial Infection Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing infections, particularly bacterial and non-bacterial infections, are slow, laborious, and often lead to unnecessary antibiotic treatment due to similar symptoms, resulting in increased costs and antibiotic resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assay of gene expression samples to determine the relative abundance of target molecules indicative of the expression of specific gene pairs, such as DUSP1 and IFI27, to detect and distinguish between bacterial and non-bacterial infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If broad spectrum antibiotic treatment is given to combat suspected bacterial infections, then the probability of treating the infection effectively is improved, but the cost of treatment increases and antibiotic resistance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic testing using gene expression analysis (assaying for DUSP1 and IFI27 markers) before initiating antibiotic treatment. This preliminary action identifies whether bacteria are actually present, preventing unnecessary antibiotic use and the subsequent development of resistance while ensuring antibiotics are administered when truly needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where rapid diagnostic results (within hours rather than days) inform treatment decisions. The gene expression test provides real-time feedback about the presence of bacterial infection, allowing clinicians to adjust treatment protocols based on actual diagnostic evidence rather than empirical assumptions.
2Reliability
If broad spectrum antibiotic treatment is given to combat suspected bacterial infections, then the probability of treating the infection effectively is improved, but the cost of treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic testing using gene expression analysis (assaying for DUSP1 and IFI27 markers) before initiating antibiotic treatment. This preliminary action identifies whether bacteria are actually present, preventing unnecessary antibiotic use and the subsequent development of resistance while ensuring antibiotics are administered when truly needed.
3Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods are used to identify infections, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the time required for diagnosis increases and infection may spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and measures specific gene expression markers (DUSP1 and IFI27) that are highly indicative of bacterial infection from complex biological samples. By focusing on these specific extracted markers rather than performing comprehensive broad-spectrum testing, the method achieves high diagnostic accuracy within hours rather than days.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from comprehensive cultural analysis (days-long process) to quantitative gene expression measurement (hours-long process). By measuring the abundance of specific mRNA transcripts associated with bacterial infection, the method maintains diagnostic precision while dramatically reducing the time required for results.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods of detecting an infection in a subject based on the relative abundance of target molecules indicative of the expression of at least the gene pair DUSP1 and IFI27. In particular, the invention relates to a method of distinguishing between a bacterial infection or a non-bacterial infection in a subject, especially between bacterial and non-bacterial lower respiratory system infections using the gene pair. Further, the invention provides the medical use of therapeutic agents in the treatment of a bacterial or non-bacterial infection in a subject identified as having such an infection through use of a method of the invention, and monitoring the therapeutic effectiveness.