METHODS AND KITS FOR DETECTING FUNGAL INFECTION

摘要

Methods and kits which utilize a conjugate, preferably an adduct, of ergosterol for determining the presence or level of a broad spectrum of ergosterol-containing organisms (e.g., fungi) in various substrates are disclosed. These methods and kits can be used to accurately and efficiently diagnose a subject having a fungal infection, particularly invasive fungal infection, and to accurately and efficiently detect the presence of fungi and other ergosterol-containing organisms in other substrates. Antibodies and other compounds (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers) that are capable of selectively binding to ergosterol or to an ergosterol-containing conjugate and methods of producing same are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of determining a presence and/or a level of an ergosterol-containing organism in a substrate, the method comprising:
contacting at least a portion of the substrate with a compound capable of selectively forming a conjugate with ergosterol; and determining a presence and/or a level of said conjugate, said presence and/or level of said conjugate being indicative for the presence and/or level of ergosterol and thereby indicative of a presence and/or a level of an ergosterol-containing organism in the substrate.