Multiplexed Encoded Particle PCR for Rapid Panel Diagnosis of Sexually-Transmitte

描述(申请人提供)：性传播感染是一种流行病，特别是在青少年中，可以通过常规诊断和筛查来控制。由于成本的限制，目前还不实用，因此需要能够对多种感染进行面板检测的快速可靠的检测方法。为此，我们将开发多重编码粒子聚合酶链式反应(MEP-PCR)检测方法，以经济高效的“一锅法”准确、快速地诊断多发性传播疾病(STDS)。该项目第一阶段的具体目标是：(1)确定淋球菌、沙眼衣原体和阳性对照基因组目标的三个多重PCR靶标；(2)优化在同一试管中进行聚合酶链式反应和杂交的“一锅法”；(3)在单个模拟标本中展示对淋球菌和沙眼衣原体的同时可重复筛选。该项目还可以扩展到呼吸系统疾病、腹泻疾病和生物恐怖因子的影响筛查。 公共卫生相关性：该项目的目的是开发一种能够以非常低的成本在单个生理样本中以高灵敏度和特异性检测多发性传播感染(STI)的技术。这一工具将能够快速、经济有效地诊断性传播感染。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Sexually-transmitted infections are an epidemic, particularly among adolescents, that could be managed with routine diagnosis and screening. Currently not practical due to cost constraints, there is a need for rapid and reliable assays capable of panel-testing for multiple infections. To this end, we will develop Multiplexed Encoded Particle PCR (mEP-PCR) assays to accurately and rapidly diagnose multiple sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with a cost-effective, "one- pot" test. The specific aims for Phase I of this project are to (1) identify three multiplex PCR targets for N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and positive control genomic targets, (2) optimize a "one-pot" assay where PCR and hybridization are carried out in the same tube, and (3) demonstrate simultaneous reproducible screening for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in a single simulated specimen. This project could also be extended to impact screening for respiratory disease, diarrheal disease, and bioterror agents. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The aim of this project is to develop a technology capable of detecting multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a single physiological sample with high sensitivity and specificity at a very low cost. This tool will be enabling for rapid, cost-effective diagnosis of STIs.