Diagnostic Antigens for the Identification of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

CDC researchers have developed technology for sero-diagnosis of typically symptomless latent stage tuberculosis disease, posing a threat to individuals under immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapies. Specifically, this diagnostic approach exploits M. tuberculosis secreted latency specific antigens, such as alpha-crystallin, in the blood or urine of patients. This type of test could easily be developed into an inexpensive dip-stick format with high specificity (no cross-reactivity with other mycobacteria), rapidity, and sensitivity (fewer bacteria needed for a positive identification). Because secreted antigens are recognized more readily by the immune system, serum-derived antibodies to these antigens can correspondingly be used for diagnostic or research use.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Development of a latent tuberculosis diagnostic Improvements to current diagnostics Public health/tuberculosis monitoring programs Screening elderly patients before beginning anti-inflammatory and/or anti-arthritis therapy		Rapid and inexpensive diagnostic for latent stage tuberculosis Specific for latent form, unlike current IGRA/TST diagnostics Easily developed as a cost effective dip-stick test Provides high specificity (no cross-reactivity with other mycobacteria) and sensitivity (fewer bacteria needed for a positive identification)

Development Stage:

• In vitro data available
• In vivo data available (human)

Inventors:

Manon Deslauriers (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Kristin Birkness (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Frederick Quinn (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Peter King (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
U.S. Pat: 7,105,170 issued 2006-09-12
PCT Application No. PCT/US2002/000309
US Application No. 10/250,930
Various international patents issued or pending

Publications:
Stewart JN, et al. PMID 16385133

Licensing Contact:
Jeremiah Mitzelfelt,
Email: jeremiah.mitzelfelt@nih.gov
Phone: 301-443-8518

OTT Reference No: E-249-2013-1
Updated: Feb 7, 2014