Test kit for the genetic detection of microorganisms
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Michigan
InventorElliot Juni
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Abstract
A test kit for detecting the presence of a specific microorganism in a biological sample utilizing the phenomenon of genetic transformation. The test kit comprises a transformable variant of said specific microorganism, such as auxotrophs which are distinguishable from their wild parent strain. The variants are transformed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from microorganism cells present in a biological test sample. The detection of transformed cells indicates the presence of the specific microorganism under determination in the sample. The microorganism cells present in the biological sample are lysed utilizing an aqueous solution containing a surfactant capable of performing the lysing step.
Claims21
A test kit for detecting the presence of a specific microorganism in a biological sample based on the phenomenon of genetic transformation, which test kit comprises (1) a transformable variant of said specific microorganism which is distinguishable therefrom and (2) an aqueous solution separate from said variant containing a surfactant at a concentration of between about 0.01 and 0.1 percent by weight which is sufficient to lyse substantially all of the microorganism cells present in said biological sample while insufficient to destroy a substantial amount of said variant upon contact therewith when said variant is supported on a medium capable of diffusing aqueous solutions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.