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Abstract

Grant Number:	5R44AI048973-03
PI Name:	EINCK, LEO
PI Email:	leoeinck@sequella.com
PI Title:
Project Title:	Commercial Development of the Bronx Box

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally there are approximately 50 million people with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Recognizing this threat, public health agencies throughout the world have emphasized the importance of expeditious detection of drug resistance and the implementation of appropriate therapy. Conventional laboratory methods used to confirm the diagnosis of TB by isolating M. tuberculosis and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) can take weeks due to the growth rate of mycobacteria. Using the latest detection methods, which are routinely available in developed countries, can provide culture results in as few as 4-7 days with subsequent antibiotic susceptibility profiles in another 4-5 days in some cases. These sophisticated tests are very expensive and must be performed by trained technologists; this makes them technically and financially infeasible for use in developing countries where MDR-TB is the greatest threat. Dr. Bill Jacobs addressed the need for a new diagnostic by modifying a mycobacteriophage (a virus that infects mycobacteria) to incorporate the firefly luciferase gene (FFlux); mycobacteria infected with phage produce light upon addition of the substrate luciferin. The light can be detected and quantitated by using a device called the Bronx Box; a camera connected to a computer. The test is performed in less than forty hours in a six-welled chamber/manifold which contains antibiotics. The Bronx Box device and accompanying test manifold will provide an easy-to-use, inexpensive, clinical diagnostic test with a faster turnaround time than current methods. The long-term goal of this proposal is to continue the commercial development of the Bronx Box and make this test available in clinics throughout the world.

Thesaurus Terms:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, cinematography, communicable disease diagnosis, diagnosis design /evaluation, multidrug resistance, technology /technique development, tuberculosis
antibiotic, bacterial antigen, bacterial virus, consumable /disposable biomedical equipment, luciferin monooxygenase
clinical research, human subject

Institution:	SEQUELLA, INC.
	9610 MEDICAL CENTER DR, STE 200
	ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	01-APR-2001
Project End:	31-AUG-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
IRG:	ZRG1

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