Method for detecting escherichia coli

Abstract

Described herein are methods of detecting an infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and / or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 444,523, filed on Jan. 31, 2003. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Infections are a major source of healthcare expenditure. Approximately 5% of all surgical wounds become infected with microorganisms, and that figure is considerably higher (10-20%) for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the most frequently isolated organisms from infected wounds. Bacterial colonization rates are significantly higher in the hospital setting, both among healthcare workers, and among patients. Moreover, the colonizing organisms in the hospital environment are likely to be resistant to many forms of antimicrobial therapy, due to the strong selective pressure that exists in the nosocomial environment, where antibiotics are frequently used. Most strains of Esch...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In still another aspect, the present invention features a kit for detecting an infection, comprising a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample, and one or more reagents for detecting the presence of the microorganism that is the causative agent of the infection. For example, the reagent can be used to detect an enzyme secreted by the microorganism. In particular, the reagent can be used to detect the modification of the substrate of the biosensor.

Problems solved by technology

Infections are a major source of healthcare expenditure.

Some strains, however, produce toxins that can cause severe, even life threatening disorders, including intestinal disorders, kidney disorders, and urinary tract infections.

While generally effective, this strategy has the unintended effect of breeding resistant strains of bacteria.

Unfortunately, many symptoms are only evident after the infection is already established.

Furthermore, after a patient is discharged from the hospital they become responsible for monitoring their own healthcare, and the symptoms of infection may not be evident to the unskilled patient.

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