Abstract:
The invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for carrying out multi-stage amplification reactions, especially under fluidly closed conditions. In one aspect, methods of the invention are carried out in a fluidly closed reaction system that permits the isolation of a portion of a first (or prior) reaction mixture and its use a s a sample or specimen in a second (or subsequent) reaction mixture, thereby substantially avoiding interfering effects that first reaction components may have in the second reaction if both reaction mixture were simply combined together. In the aspect, systems, methods, and apparatus of the invention may be used with any amplification reaction that permits multiple stages of amplification based on the use of nested primers.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are provided. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for screening for infection/inflammation based on genomic copy number. Described herein is a method that entails assaying a sample obtained from the urogenital tract of the mammal for an indicator of genomic copy number, wherein a genomic copy number level that is higher than a control genomic copy number level is indicative of the presence of infection or inflammation of the urogenital tract. Also described in a kit of the invention that includes a primer and/or probe for detecting or sequencing an indicator of genomic copy number, wherein the indicator of genomic copy number comprises a nucleic acid sequence that is expected to be present in the genome of the mammal in one or two copies; and a primer and/or probe for detecting or sequencing a nucleic acid sequence that is indicative of a pathogen that infects the urogenital tract or a miRNA correlated with inflammation.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are provided. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for screening for infection/inflammation based on genomic copy number. Described herein is a method that entails assaying a sample obtained from the urogenital tract of the mammal for an indicator of genomic copy number, wherein a genomic copy number level that is higher than a control genomic copy number level is indicative of the presence of infection or inflammation of the urogenital tract. Also described in a kit of the invention that includes a primer and/or probe for detecting or sequencing an indicator of genomic copy number, wherein the indicator of genomic copy number comprises a nucleic acid sequence that is expected to be present in the genome of the mammal in one or two copies; and a primer and/or probe for detecting or sequencing a nucleic acid sequence that is indicative of a pathogen that infects the urogenital tract or a miRNA correlated with inflammation.