Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) have
developed a multiplex immuno-PCR (iPCR) based diagnostic test which improves
upon currently available approaches for Lyme disease detection. Lyme disease is
caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) and is transmitted to humans and animals through
the bite of infected ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
recommended protocol for diagnosing Lyme disease involves testing blood sera
using a subjective two-tiered system which often leads to misdiagnoses. The
method also lacks sensitivity in the early stages of the infection. UCF's approach
combines the sensitivity of PCR with the specificity and the versatility of
immunoassays in a simplified and objective diagnostic test.
Technical Details
The UCF invention uses specialized magnetic beads that
complex with antibodies produced by individuals infected with B. burgdorferi. Additionally, the test
makes use of specialized oligonucleotide reporters that are amplified by qPCR
if antibodies from infected individuals are detected. The qPCR step offers a
more objective readout of B. burgdorferi infection
than the immune-blot analysis commonly used in Lyme disease testing. Compared
with the current assays for Lyme disease diagnosis, the diagnostic test
developed at UCF enables earlier and objective detection of infection (in mouse
models) and a more simplified single-tiered approach for diagnosis (in serum
samples from Lyme disease patients).
Stage of Development
Assay developed and tested with patient serum samples.
Partnering opportunity
The research team is looking for partners to further
develop the technology for therapeutic use and commercialization.
Benefit
Reduces the cost and complexity of current methods for diagnosing Lyme diseaseObjective readout for Lyme diseaseIncreased sensitivity for earlier detectionStandardized reagentsCan be developed for high throughput automationMarket Application
Lyme disease diagnosticsPublications
Enhanced detection of host response antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi using immuno-PCR, Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2013 Mar;20(3):350-7
Simple objective detection of human lyme disease infection using immuno-PCR and a single recombinant hybrid antigen, Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2014 Aug;21(8):1094-105
Brochure
