Method and Device for Combined Detection of Viral and Bacterial Infections

Abstract

A lateral flow assay detects and differentiates between viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial marker is CRP. In another preferred embodiment, the viral marker is MxA. In some embodiments, it is unnecessary to lyse the cells in the sample prior to applying it to the device.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A device for the detection of CRP and MxA comprising:
 a) a sample application zone for applying a whole blood sample to the device wherein the whole blood sample is not lysed prior to collection and transfer to the device;   b) a reagent zone comprising:
 at least one first reagent specific to CRP such that, when CRP present in the whole blood sample contacts the first reagent, a first labeled complex forms; and 
 at least one second reagent specific to MxA such that, when MxA present in the whole blood sample contacts the second reagent, a second labeled complex forms; 
   c) a lysis zone comprising at least one lysis agent, wherein the lysis agent contacts the whole blood sample on the device; and   d) a detection zone comprising:
 a first binding partner which binds to the first labeled complex; and 
 a second binding partner which binds to the second labeled complex. 
   
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the detection zone comprises a first test line that is visible to the naked eye when the sample is positive for CRP and a second test line that is visible to the naked eye when the sample is positive for MxA. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the first test line is spatially separate from the second test line. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the first test line displays a first color when positive and the second test line displays a second color different from the first color when positive. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein both the first test line and the second test line are located in the same space such that a third color is formed when both the first test line and the second test line are positive. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the detection zone comprises a control line that is visible to the naked eye when the device is working. 
     
     
         21 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the sample application zone is upstream of the reagent zone and the detection zone, and the detection zone is downstream of the reagent zone. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the sample application zone is downstream of the reagent zone and upstream of the detection zone. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein a threshold concentration of CRP in a sample that elicits a positive result is at least approximately 15 mg/L. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein a threshold concentration of MxA in a sample that elicits a positive result is at least approximately 15 ng/ml. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the lysis agent lyses leukocytes in the whole blood sample. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the device is a lateral flow chromatography test strip. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the lysis agent comprises Tween 80 and urea. 
     
     
         32 . A device for the detection of CRP and MxA, comprising:
 a) a sample application zone for applying a whole blood sample to the device, wherein the whole blood sample is not lysed prior to collection and transfer to the device;   b) a reagent zone comprising:
 at least one first reagent specific to CRP such that, when CRP present in the whole blood sample contacts the first reagent, a first labeled complex forms; and 
 at least one second reagent specific to MxA such that, when MxA present in the whole blood sample contacts the second reagent, a second labeled complex forms; and 
   c) a lysis zone comprising at least one lysis agent, wherein the lysis agent lyses the whole blood sample on the device; and   d) a detection zone comprising:
 a first binding partner which binds to the first labeled complex; and 
 a second binding partner which binds to the second labeled complex; 
   wherein the device is configured to detect CRP and MxA in approximately ten minutes or less.   
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein a threshold concentration of CRP in a sample that elicits a positive result is at least approximately 15 mg/L. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein a threshold concentration of MxA in a sample that elicits a positive result is at least approximately 15 ng/ml. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the detection zone comprises a first test line that is visible to the naked eye when the sample is positive for CRP and a second test line that is visible to the naked eye when the sample is positive for MxA. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the device is a lateral flow chromatography test strip. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the device is configured to detect CRP and MxA in approximately five minutes or less. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the device is configured to detect CRP and MxA while a patient is being examined by a practitioner. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the at least one lysis agent lyses leukocytes in the whole blood sample. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the lysis agent comprises Tween 80 and urea.