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  6. BurkDiff: a Novel Real-Time PCR Assay to Distinguish Burkholderia Pseudomallei from B. Mallei

BurkDiff: a Novel Real-Time PCR Assay to Distinguish Burkholderia Pseudomallei from B. Mallei

Description

The technology is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay that distinguishes between Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, based on single-point mutation. Using specific methods and kits, the assay involves the addition of oligonucleotides to mixtures containing nucleic acid isolated from samples and undergoes nucleic acid amplification.

Additional information

Patent number and inventor

9,340,837

Jolene Bowers, Paul Keim, and David Engelthaler.

Potential applications

Clinical applications to differentiate Burkholderia species.

Benefits and advantages

Prior to this assay, an efficient and accurate test did not exist to distinguish between the two Burkholderia species, which are biothreat pathogens. Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei are closely related pathogens that cause melioidosis and glanders, respectively. While melioidosis is a naturally occurring human disease, primarily in Asia and Australia, glanders is a naturally occurring infection in equines (horses) with incidental disease in humans.

Case number and licensing status

2009-012

This invention is available for licensing.