Detection of bacteria using bacteriophage
Inventors
Kellum, John Alston • HEMPEL, JOHN D. • EDGAR, ROBERT HUGH • VIATOR, JOHN ANDREW
Assignees
University of Pittsburgh • Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit
Publication Number
US-10544443-B2
Publication Date
2020-01-28
Expiration Date
2036-07-29
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Abstract
A method of detecting a species, strain or type of bacteria includes mixing a labeled bacteriophage including a label that is detectible via a detection system with a bacterial culture including the species, strain or type of bacteria to which the labeled bacteriophage selectively binds and using the detection system to detect the labeled bacteriophage bound to the species, strain or type of bacteria.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system for detecting a species, strain, or type of bacteria by mixing a labeled bacteriophage—with a detectable label—into a bacterial culture. The labeled bacteriophage selectively binds to its target bacteria, and a detection system, which can include a photoacoustic cell, is used to detect the presence of labeled bacteriophage bound to bacteria. The method may involve removing unbound labeled bacteriophage prior to detection, and allows for identification and quantification of the targeted bacteria.
The method can be extended by using a plurality of different labeled bacteriophages, each selective for a different bacterial species, strain, or type. Each bacteriophage is labeled with a detectably distinct tag, for example, one identifiable at a unique wavelength. Thus, the detection system can indicate the presence of multiple specific bacterial types within a single sample. The method includes the use of various photoacoustic-compatible labels and is adaptable to other detection technologies, such as flow cytometry or electron microscopy.
The problem addressed by the invention is the slow, inaccurate, and limited nature of current bacterial detection methods, which require 48 hours or longer and are unable to accurately quantify detected bacteria or detect bacteria that do not grow readily on agar plates. The disclosed method enables more rapid, quantitative, and specific bacterial detection.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim, focusing on the method of detecting bacteria using labeled bacteriophage and a photoacoustic detection system.
Method of detecting bacteria using labeled bacteriophage and photoacoustic cell
A method comprises: - Mixing a labeled bacteriophage, which includes a label detectable via a detection system comprising a photoacoustic cell, with a biological sample. - The labeled bacteriophage must be active to selectively bind with the species, strain, or type of bacteria intended for detection. - Using the detection system (with a photoacoustic cell) to determine the presence of the labeled bacteriophage bound to the targeted species, strain, or type of bacteria in the sample.
The coverage centers on the use of labeled bacteriophage, photoacoustic detection, and selective binding for determining if a sample contains a specific species, strain, or type of bacteria.
Stated Advantages
The method provides a quicker and quantitative assay for bacterial detection, delivering results in hours instead of days.
It allows identification and quantification of specific bacterial species, strains, or types in a sample.
The technique is applicable to bacteria that are hard or impossible to grow in culture.
Photoacoustic detection offers increased detection rates and specificity at a reduced cost compared to other detection systems.
Earlier detection using this method enables earlier treatment with targeted antibiotics.
The assay supports single-step estimation of bacterial concentration, distinguishing pathogen from flora.
Documented Applications
Rapid detection and quantification of bacterial contamination in clinical samples, such as blood or sputum, in hospital and medical laboratory settings.
Guiding antibiotic selection for infections based on identification of causative bacterial species, including detection of bacteria not culturable by standard methods.
Facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia and differentiating bacterial from viral infections in clinical scenarios.
Supporting detection of multi-drug resistant pathogens and minimizing unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
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