METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DIAGNOSIS OF SERIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION

摘要

Provided are methods of diagnosing severe bacterial infection (SBI) in a patient, and devices for the diagnosis of SBI. The methods of the invention involve investigating a patient sample to detect the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of the biomarkers: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL); and resistin; and procalcitonin (PCT); wherein detection of the presence of target molecules indicative of expression of each of the biomarkers indicates the presence of SBI. The devices of the invention comprise: a loading area for receipt of a patient sample; binding partners specific for target molecules indicative of the expression of the biomarkers: NGAL; and resistin; and PCT. Suitable target molecules may be selected from the group consisting of: the biomarker protein; and nucleic acid encoding the biomarker protein. Suitable binding partners may be selected from the group consisting of: complementary nucleic acids; aptamers; antibodies or antibody fragments.