Gene Expression Analysis for Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical diagnostic tests lack the ability to identify patients at high risk for healthcare-associated infections, which are a significant concern due to their association with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, and existing methods do not effectively predict the incidence of these infections.
Innovation Solution
Measuring the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors, particularly IL1R1, IL1R2, IL18R1, and IL18RAP, located on chromosome 2q11-2q12 in biological samples from patients to determine the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current clinical diagnostic tests are used, then patient care is provided, but the ability to identify patients at high risk for healthcare-associated infections is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures gene expression levels (IL1R1, IL1R2, IL18R1, IL18RAP) before infection occurs to predict risk. This preliminary measurement of molecular markers enables identification of high-risk patients before they develop healthcare-associated infections, allowing preventive interventions to be implemented in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional clinical diagnostic tests with a molecular biology-based approach. Instead of relying on physical examinations or conventional lab tests, the invention uses gene expression analysis to detect risk, providing a more accurate and objective method for identifying patients at high risk for infections.
2Reliability
If no risk prediction method is available, then healthcare resources are allocated traditionally, but mortality and healthcare costs increase due to lack of targeted interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where gene expression levels are measured, risk is calculated, and this information is used to guide clinical decisions. The feedback loop allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans based on molecular risk profiles, enabling targeted interventions that reduce mortality and optimize resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from traditional clinical signs to molecular gene expression levels. By measuring the expression levels of specific genes (IL1R1, IL1R2, IL18R1, IL18RAP), the system provides a quantitative molecular profile that can be used to stratify patients by risk, enabling more precise and effective healthcare delivery.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive infection control programs are implemented, then infection rates decrease, but compliance becomes complicated in low- or middle-income countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification of high-risk patients through gene expression measurement, allowing infection control measures to be targeted specifically at those who need them most. This approach simplifies compliance by focusing resources on high-risk individuals rather than requiring comprehensive protocols for all patients, making implementation more feasible in resource-constrained settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An in vitro or ex vivo method for determining the risk of incidence of a healthcare-associated infection in a patient, including a step of measuring the expression of at least one gene encoding a pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor located on chromosome 2 in the region 2q11-2q12, in a biological sample from the patient.