Diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR) with Monoclonal Antibodies and Nucleic Acid Probes
Tech ID: 07-86-34
University of Washington researchers were the first to identify Chlamydia
pneumoniae (or TWAR) as a pathogenic organism separate from C.
Trachomatis and C. psittaci and were the first to develop
diagnostic methods for the detection of C. pneumoniae. The
methods for direct and indirect organism detection comprise immunoassays and
nucleic acid probe-based assays.
Background:
C. pneumoniae has been identified as an important pathogen causing
acute respiratory infection. C. pneumoniae is responsible
for approximately 10% of both outpatient and hospital pneumonia, as well as
otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. In addition to
acute respiratory infection, there are numerous reports of C. pneumoniae
infection associated with myocarditis, endocarditis, coronary artery disease,
asthma and sarcoidosis.
Seroepidemiologic studies have shown that 40 to 60% of adults worldwide have
antibody against the Chlamydia pneumoniae organism. In fact, the data now
available suggest that reinfection with the organism is common. Proper
treatment of C. pneumoniae requires high doses of tetracycline or
erythromycin. Currently, several companies are funding clinical trials to
test their proprietary antibiotics for activity against heart disease and/or C.
pneumoniae.
The market for C. pneumoniae diagnostics is approximately $4 million in
the U.S. alone, primarily for differential diagnosis of acute respiratory
infections. If C. pneumoniae is shown to be causally related to
other diseases, including coronary heart disease, the market is expected to
increase significantly.
Status:
C. pneumoniae-specific diagnostic reagents, including monoclonal
antibodies, live strain, antigen, and DNA probes, are available for feasibility
testing. These reagents and techniques for diagnosing C. pneumoniae
have been shown to be effective and commercially viable. Licensees will
need to perfect kit formats during assay development.
These technologies are the subject of U.S. and foreign patents. Additional
foreign patents are pending. Both U.S. and foreign patent rights are available
for licensing.
For additional information, please contact:
Beth G. Etscheid, Ph.D.
Director of Licensing
Washington Research Foundation
2815 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98102
Tel: 206.336.5600
Fax: 206.336.5615
betschei@wrfseattle.org
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