Marker combinations for diagnosing infections and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A method of determining an infection type in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises measuring the concentration of a first determinant selected from the group consisting of the determinants which are set forth in Table 1 and a second determinant selected from the group of the determinants which are set forth in Table 2 in a subject derived sample, wherein the concentration is indicative of the infection type.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit comprising an antibody that specifically detects Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and an antibody that specifically detects TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), wherein said kit comprises antibodies that detect no more than four determinants, wherein said determinants are markers of infection. 
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said determinants consist of NGAL and TRAIL. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said kit is devoid of an antibody that specifically detects CRP. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said antibodies comprise monoclonal antibodies. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein each of said antibodies are immobilized on a solid support. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said antibodies is immobilized on a solid support. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising an antibody that specifically detects Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said kit comprises antibodies that detect no more than three determinants. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising an antibody that specifically detects a determinant selected from the group consisting of Progranulin, prostaglandin E2, Pro Cathepsin B, MMP8, Pro-MP10, VEGF C, P selectin, CXCL13, MMP2, VCAM1, Pentraxin3, RBP4, E selectin, IP-10, Leptin, Clusterin, Myeloperoxidase, Complement factor D, Corin, CD95, Cystatin C, LIGHT, IL19 E cadherin and Angiopoietin 1. 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating a bacterial infection in a child in need thereof, the method comprising:
 (a) measuring the amount of NGAL and TRAIL in a sample of the child;   (b) ruling in a bacterial infection in the child on the basis of the amount of said NGAL and TRAIL; and   (c) treating the child with an antibiotic, thereby treating the bacterial infection.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising measuring an amount of IP 10 in said sample. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein no more than three determinants are measured, wherein said determinants are markers of infection. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein no more than four determinants are measured, wherein said determinants are markers of infection. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the sample is whole blood or a fraction thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said blood fraction sample comprises cells selected from the group consisting of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said blood fraction sample comprises serum or plasma. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the concentration of TRAIL is measured in a sample that was stored at 12° C. or lower, wherein said storage begins less than 24 hours after the sample is obtained.