Method and kit for the early detection of sepsis

A kit comprising a reagent specific for determining the expression level of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL-1b, IL-10, CCL2, interferon beta (IFN-β), IL-17, IL-2, IL-4 and VEGF, further comprising a TLR4 agonist;

• wherein the reagent comprises nucleic acid probes capable of specifically hybridizing to the gene of interest, PCR primers capable of specifically amplifying the gene of interest, or antibodies or aptamers capable of specifically binding to the expression product of the gene of interest, and
• wherein the kit further comprises an assembly for the analysis of a blood sample, configured for being housed in a reader, the assembly comprising:
• a first hollow tube comprising an open end, the first hollow tube extending along a longitudinal direction X-X′, the first hollow tube further comprising:
• a first chamber configured to house the blood sample and containing the TLR4 agonist, and
• first coupling means located in the open end,
• a second housing extending along the longitudinal direction X-X′ and comprising a guided end, the second housing further comprising:
• a second chamber containing at least one antibody that specifically binds to the protein encoded by the gene, wherein the antibody is immobilized on a porous solid support,
• a connection tube extending along the longitudinal direction X-X′ and comprising a guiding end and a connection end, the connection end comprising second coupling means, wherein the connection tube houses the second housing, guiding its movement along the longitudinal direction X-X′ such that the second housing partially enters into the first chamber of the first hollow tube, thus establishing a fluid communication path between said first chamber of the first hollow tube and the second chamber the second housing.