Moissiacense Virus Diagnostics Using Metatranscriptomics and Targeted Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods struggle to identify the etiology of encephalitis, particularly when caused by novel pathogens like Moissiacense virus, due to sequence variation and geographical spread of neurotropic arboviruses, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and potential harm from immunosuppressive treatments.
Innovation Solution
Development of agnostic metatranscriptomics procedures to identify and characterize Moissiacense virus, a novel orthobunyavirus, and the use of nucleic acid primers, probes, antigens, and antibodies for diagnostic agents and vaccines to detect and prevent Moissiacense virus infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard PCR consensus assays targeting broad range of orthobunyaviruses are used, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to sequence variation causing false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic approach by using metatranscriptomics to first identify novel virus sequences, then developing targeted PCR assays with primers and probes designed specifically for those identified sequences. This two-stage segmentation resolves the contradiction by ensuring both broad coverage (through unbiased sequencing) and high accuracy (through targeted detection).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary virus identification through metatranscriptomics before implementing targeted diagnostic assays. By conducting the sequencing and identification step first, the system prepares accurate target-specific reagents in advance, ensuring both broad initial screening capability and subsequent high-precision detection.
2Ease of operation
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then diagnostic simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates leading to misdiagnosis and harmful treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metatranscriptomics as an intermediary step between conventional PCR and final diagnosis. This intermediary technology bridges the gap by providing comprehensive viral sequence identification that informs subsequent targeted assay design, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the overall diagnostic workflow.
3Measurement precision
If targeted diagnostic assays for known viruses are used, then detection precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to detect novel pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary unbiased metatranscriptomic sequencing to identify novel pathogens before developing targeted assays. This preliminary action ensures the system maintains adaptability to discover new viruses while subsequent targeted assays provide high precision detection for identified pathogens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional diagnostic system where metatranscriptomics serves both as a discovery tool for novel pathogens and as a basis for developing targeted detection assays. This universal approach allows the same initial technology to support both broad adaptability and precise targeted detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods of diagnosis or detection of Moissiacense virus, a novel orthobunyavirus causing human encephalitis, comprising determining the presence of at least one nucleic acid or protein of said virus or antibodies thereto, in a biological sample. The invention also relates to the various diagnostic agents derived from the viral nucleic acids or proteins, in articular nucleic acid primers and probes, antigens and antibodies, and their use for the diagnosis of Moissiacense virus infection and associated disease, in particular encephalitis. The invention further relates to antigens derived from the viral proteins as vaccine for the prevention of Moissiacense virus infection and associated disease, in particular encephalitis.