Developing advanced in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tools is critical for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of Buruli ulcer. With our profound expertise in Buruli ulcer diagnostic research, we are well-equipped to deliver tailor-made solutions and comprehensive support to facilitate your journey from Buruli ulcer diagnostic research to commercialization.
Introduction to Buruli Ulcer
Buruli ulcer is a necrotizing disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, posing a significant public health concern globally. This disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which produces a toxin called Mycolactone that plays a key role in causing extensive tissue destruction. Mycolactone not only directly affects cells but also suppresses the immune system, leading to the progression of ulcers. The increasing incidence of Buruli ulcer highlights the urgent need for effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
Fig. 1 Transmission mechanism of Mycobacterium ulcerans. (Dhungel L, et al., 2021)
Diagnostic Biomarkers for Buruli Ulcer
The identification and validation of diagnostic biomarkers play a pivotal role in the early detection and management of Buruli ulcer. Diagnostic biomarkers serve as crucial indicators of disease presence, progression, and therapeutic response, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed therapeutic decisions and provide timely interventions.
Antibodies directed against specific antigens of Mycobacterium ulcerans can serve as diagnostic markers for the infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting techniques are commonly used to detect the presence of these antibodies in serum samples.
Antibodies
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) are among the cytokines associated with the inflammatory response in Buruli ulcer. Measurement of cytokine levels can provide insights into the immune status of the host and the severity of the infection.
Cytokines
Mycolactone, the cytotoxic and immunosuppressive toxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a hallmark of Buruli ulcer pathogenesis. Techniques such as immunoassays can be employed to detect mycolactone or its derivatives in samples from infected people.
Mycolactone
IVD Development for Buruli Ulcer
In the realm of Buruli ulcer, the indispensable role of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) lies in the timely detection, precise diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring of disease advancement, thereby enabling prompt interventions and bettering prognoses. The advancement of cutting-edge IVD tools will notably bolster the efficient management of Buruli ulcer. The following are several important strategies for IVD development of Buruli ulcer.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing aims to identify genes associated with Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Among these, the most commonly used genes for the diagnosis of Buruli ulcer are IS2404 and KR-B. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly used for genetic testing of Buruli ulcer.
Biomarker Analysis
Antibodies against Mycobacterium ulcerans, cytokines, and mycolactone can serve as diagnostic biomarkers for Buruli ulcer. Biochemical detection methods such as ELISA can identify these biomarkers, aiding in the early diagnosis and monitoring of Buruli ulcer.
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
POCT plays a crucial role in the swift diagnosis of infectious diseases and timely interventions. Developing rapid diagnostic assays for Buruli ulcer along with portable diagnostic devices can facilitate prompt results at the point of care, enabling immediate therapeutic decisions.
Our Services
We are a leader in infectious disease diagnostic development services, offering groundbreaking IVD solutions for Buruli ulcer to meet complex diagnostic needs. Our expertise lies in designing specialized IVD reagents/kits and advanced diagnostic devices tailored specifically for Buruli ulcer, enhancing diagnostic automation and facilitating the effective management of Buruli ulcer.
IVD Product Development Services
Optional IVD Products
We also provide point-of-care testing (POCT) and companion diagnostics development services for Buruli ulcer. These services help you design portable and user-friendly IVD tools to facilitate rapid identification and personalized therapies of Buruli ulcer. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Dhungel L, Benbow M E, Jordan H R. Linking the Mycobacterium ulcerans environment to Buruli ulcer disease: Progress and challenges[J]. One Health, 2021, 13: 100311.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
