Real-time PCR Assay for Detection of Pneumococcal DNA and Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Disease

CDC scientists have developed a real-time PCR assay for diagnosing pneumococcal disease using amplification of the bacterial gene encoding pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA). Pneumococcal isolation and identification is often complicated by 1) antimicrobial suppression of growth in culture and 2) contamination by normal flora alpha-streptococci. Further, pneumococcal detection by culture and serological methods can be time-consuming, relatively expensive, laborious and, ultimately, indeterminate. Sensitive and specific assays that can be completed quickly in the clinical laboratory are essential for early diagnosis and effective therapy. This RT-PCR assay provides a tool for quick and accurate diagnosis by physicians and health care technicians and may be useful in evaluating the efficacy of novel pneumococcal vaccines and therapeutics.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Pneumococcal disease diagnostics and surveillance programs Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine development and improvementt Evaluation of efficacy of anti-pneumococcal therapeutics		Cost-effective Simple to implement Rapid, accurate and objectively conclusive Easily implemented as a kit

Development Stage:

• Pre-clinical
• In vitro data available

Inventors:

Jacquelyn Sampson (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Edwin Ades (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

George Carlone (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Karen McCaustland (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Maria Da Gloria Carvalho (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
U.S. Pat: 7,476,733 issued 2009-01-13
PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/010449

Publications:
Carvalho MG, et al. PMID 17537936

Collaboration Opportunity:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate or commercialize Real-time PCR Assay for Detection of Pneumococcal DNA and Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Disease. For collaboration opportunities, please contact Suzanne Shope at sshope@cdc.gov or 770-488-8613.


Licensing Contact:
Karen Surabian, J.D., M.B.A.
Email: karen.surabian@nih.gov
Phone: 301-594-9719

OTT Reference No: E-250-2013-0
Updated: Jan 21, 2014