Rapid diagnosis of infection

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Technology Researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a rapid, culture-free method of diagnosing infections in clinical specimens. This method is capable of identifying specific molecules associated with gram negative/gram positive bacterial infections or fungal pathogens and direct therapy to appropriate antibiotics/antimycotics. Furthermore, this process provides qualitative and quantitative information about the stage of infectious disease and the involvement of microbial biofilms in the infectious pathogenesis. Background Many bacteria and fungi can form organized communities in the form of a surface dwelling microbial biofilm that may be involved in a wound infection or as medical device contamination. In clinical settings, early detection of pathogenic microbiological organisms is critical. Rapid identification of the infectious organism and organism type can help direct the application of the most effective therapy at an early stage. Most current microbiological diagnostic tests require prior culture of the infectious organism, which is a process that can often take 24-48 hours or more. This delay in detection and identification puts already vulnerable patients at risk and increases potential for mortality. There is a need for a rapid diagnostic test that can identify specific infections/pathogens in order to prescribe appropriate therapies/medication.