This technology is a diagnostic platform that utilizes Flow Link Immunosorbent Assay (FLISA) and Δ-cps1, a live attenuated strain of Coccidioides posadasii, to detect if an individual (including animals) has mounted a response to coccidioidomycosis either from infection or vaccination. Δ-cps1 can be used as a stimulus to detect cellular (T-cell driven) immunity to Coccidioides using flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and detect humoral (cell/antibody driven) immunity using the FLISA test. By assessing both cellular and antibody-based immune activity, this test offers a more complete picture of Valley Fever immunity than current diagnostics. Background: Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal, respiratory disease caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. This emerging infectious disease ranges from asymptomatic to pulmonary disease and disseminated infection. Diagnosis and prognosis are difficult as symptoms are broad and overlapping with community acquired pneumonia, often resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Furthermore, it is unclear what differentiates hosts immunity resulting in disease resolution versus chronic infection. This technology introduces a diagnostic that enables improved patient care and treatment through detection of vaccination with Δ-cps1 and immunity to Coccidioides. Applications:
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