Genetic sequence database for identifying bacteria, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance

This technology provides a comprehensive genetic sequence database that enables rapid identification of bacterial species, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance to support faster, more accurate detection of dangerous infections.

Unmet Need: Rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections pose a serious and growing threat to public health due to limited treatment options and increasing mortality rates. Current diagnostic methods are often slow, relying on culture-based techniques that delay appropriate treatment. There is a critical need for rapid, accurate tools that can identify both bacterial species and their resistance profiles to guide timely clinical decisions. This technology addresses this gap by enabling faster detection of resistant and virulent bacteria directly from samples.

The Technology: Comprehensive sequence database for rapid bacterial identification and resistance detection.

This technology is an integrated, curated database of around one million DNA sequences from bacterial marker genes, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes. These sequences enable the design of specific probes that selectively bind to target bacterial DNA in samples. By capturing these genetic signatures, the technology allows rapid identification of bacterial species and detection of resistance and pathogenicity elements. Initial testing shows that this database effectively supports probe design and accurate detection in complex bacterial mixtures.

Applications:

• Diagnostics for rapid identification of bacterial pathogens
• Epidemiological surveillance to track the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains
• Research studies on bacterial diversity, pathogenicity, and resistance mechanisms
• Probe design for targeted sequence capture
• Public health monitoring
• Drug development

Advantages:

• Enables rapid and accurate identification of bacterial species
• Integrates multiple curated databases
• Covers 1 million clinically significant sequences
• Allows researchers to achieve faster results than culture techniques
• Detects pathogenic signatures with high specificity
• Facilitates probe design for sequence capture

Lead Inventor:

Ian Lipkin, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2022/006507)

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23199

• Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman