Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a huge number of infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, and extremely life-threatening if not appropriately diagnosed and treated at the early stage.
Traditional microbiology testing can take 24-48h to determine the causative agent of an infection, and other methods, such as PCR, although much faster require highly trained staff and expensive equipment only available in specialized facilities. This fact, results in prescription and misuse of broad-spectra antibiotics, contributing to the generation of resistance.
The close connection between the release of signaling molecules of the pqs Quorum Sensing (QS) of P. aeruginosa and the virulence of infection make these molecules as good biomarkers for detection of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
Here, is presented the first in vitro immunodiagnostic ELISA test for identification and quantification of the main signaling molecules from the pqs QS system. The assay is able to quantify PQS, HHQ and HQNO alkylquinolones in the low nM range, even in complex clinical samples.
The Spanish research center, with a broad experience in immunodiagnostics, is searching for companies that could be interested in the use of this assay to monitor P. aeruginosa infections under a patent licence. Companies interested in this technology should carry out either by
themselves or through research collaboration with our organization the clinical validation to reach the market.
Advantages & innovations
• Development of a robust, high sensitive, accurate, low-cost, simple and rapid microplate-based ELISA test for analyzing clinical samples.
• Quantification of QS signaling molecules associated with P. aeruginosa can deliver much more information of the disease status of a patient and the efficacy of a treatment.
• In cystic fibrosis, capability to stratify patients depending on whether they are on chronic or acute stage of infection by P. aeruginosa.
• This method could be used on other immunochemical analytical configurations such as strip test, immunosensors or any other format suitable for further implementation on Point-of-Care (PoC) devices with better sensitivity and specificity than current methods, allowing early selection of the most appropriate treatment.
Stage of development
Prototype available for demonstration
Partner sought
Pharma, diagnostic or biotech companies interested in diagnostics are being sought to develop and commercialize this
diagnostic method through a patent licence agreement.
- Licensing agreement: The partner would license the technology to obtain the regulatory certifications and bring it to market.
- Research cooperation agreement: The partner and the institution could undertake a joint effort to further develop this
technology, optimising different test formats and doing clinical validation addressing specific needs of the market.