Detection and Prevention of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
- Detailed Technology Description
- This invention comprises methods of diagnosis, determination of location of infection, and prevention by a quad-valent vaccine of MRSA biofilms in humans.
- Others
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- *Abstract
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The vaccine coupled with a diagnostic and infection localization detection screen that both use the same antigens as the vaccine should provide straightforward product validation, speedy regulatory approval and strong command of market share. This invention portfolio provides a complete package for diagnosing, determining the localization of the infection and a vaccine for prevention and treatment. This quad-valent vaccine, when supplemented with vancomycin, clears a significantly greater amount of the infection than with vancomycin (the standard treatment) alone. This is due to the selection of antigens expressed at high levels in the various stages of biofilm development. In contrast, current vaccines in development have selected antigens expressed during in the planktonic or free floating bacterium which undergo morphological changes during biofilm development.
A lateral flow assay was developed to provide clinicians with a rapid, inexpensive and sensitive tool for early diagnosis of S. aureus biofilm infections. This method was successful at detecting biofilm infection in the rabbit osteomyelitis animal model 42 days after infection. A major hurdle to the success of diagnosing and treating a MRSA biofilm infection is the successful localization and targeting of biofilm infections in vivo. The inventors have successfully detected S. aureus biofilms on infected tibial pins whereas implanted sterile pins showed no sign of biofilm development. A multivalent vaccine, which when used in combination with antibiotic treatment, is effective at clearing infections in both a rabbit osteomyelitis and an infected tibial implant animal model, whereas vaccine or antibiotic treatment alone is not.
Benefits:
Biofilms are attached communities of microorganisms that are inherently resistant to antibiotics. One of the biggest problems facing healthcare workers is there are no tools to diagnose biofilm infections. This deficiency stems mainly from the fact that these organisms are attached to surfaces and therefore not readily available for detection by common culturing methods.
- The lateral flow assay system provides a rapid, minimally invasive approach for the diagnosis of biofilm infection in inaccessible areas such as endocarditis or osteomyelitis.
- After diagnosis, specific visualization of the site of biofilm infection would give surgeons the exact site of infection leading to removal of less healthy tissue and more biofilm infection.
- Specific targeting of the biofilm would also allow for specific delivery of a well defined quantity of chemotherapeutic agents that may then be effective against the biofilm-mode of growth.
Applications:
- Nosocomial infections
- Medical implant surgery patients
- MRSA infection prevention and diagnosis
- Country/Region
- USA
