Roundworm Detection Antibodies Specificity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing roundworm infections in mammals are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and have low specificity and sensitivity, making it difficult to accurately identify roundworms specifically, which is crucial for effective treatment and preventing transmission to humans.
Innovation Solution
Development of antibodies that specifically bind to roundworm antigens, allowing for the use of devices and kits that can detect roundworm presence in samples like feces, blood, or tissue without cross-reacting with hookworm or whipworm antigens, enabling early detection before ova appear in feces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microscopic examination of fecal samples is used for diagnosis, then the method is widely adopted and can detect helminth infection, but it is time-consuming, requires specialized equipment, and has low specificity for identifying roundworm specifically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical microscopic examination system with an immunological detection system using antibodies that specifically bind to roundworm antigens. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized microscopy equipment and operator expertise while dramatically improving specificity for roundworm identification compared to general helminth detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antibodies as intermediary molecules that specifically recognize and bind to roundworm antigens in fecal samples. These antibodies serve as mediators between the sample and the detection system, enabling highly specific identification of roundworm infections without requiring direct microscopic visualization of the parasites
2Measurement precision
If microscopic examination is used, then helminth infection can be detected, but the method has low sensitivity and cannot detect roundworm early before ova appear in feces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of roundworm infection by detecting antigens shed by adult worms in the intestine before they produce and release ova that become visible in feces. This preliminary action allows diagnosis to occur earlier in the infection cycle, increasing sensitivity and enabling timely intervention before the infection becomes established
Solution Approach 2:
The immunological assay replaces the mechanical process of concentrating and examining fecal samples under microscopy with a sensitive antibody-based detection system that can identify trace amounts of roundworm antigens, dramatically increasing detection sensitivity and reducing the time required for accurate diagnosis
3Reliability
If general helminth detection is performed, then parasitic worm infection can be identified, but it is difficult to identify roundworm specifically for effective treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using antibodies with highly specific binding characteristics that recognize only roundworm antigens and not antigens from other helminths. This localized specificity at the molecular level allows reliable differentiation of roundworm infections from other parasitic worm infections, enabling accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses species-specific antibodies as intermediaries that bridge the gap between general helminth detection and specific roundworm identification. These antibody mediators provide the reliability needed for accurate roundworm diagnosis while maintaining the simplicity and productivity of a straightforward immunological assay format
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
The solution provides a reliable, easy-to-use method for specifically detecting roundworms, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of transmission, with the ability to differentiate from other worm infections, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and public health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
antibodies that specifically bind to a polypeptide including all or an antigenic portion of the amino acid sequence that corresponds to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a mammalian sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.