Dangerous blood poisoning is quickly detected by magnetic nanoparticle test
Researchers have developed a rapid test to assess the development of deadly sepsis. The development is reported by the press service of the EMPA research institute.Scientists from the Swiss Federal Material Science and Technology Laboratory (EMPA) have developed a rapid test based on magnetic particles that can bind to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The diagnostic procedure can detect signs of life-threatening sepsis and assess the bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
Staphylococcal sepsis is fatal in 40 percent of cases, researchers say. Infection with the bacteria can start as a local skin disease or pneumonia. Once staphylococci enter the bloodstream during sepsis, severe complications can occur. In such situations, it is necessary to identify the pathogens as quickly as possible and select appropriate antibiotics for treatment.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic test based on magnetic nanoparticles that bind (connect) to staphylococcus bacteria. If these pathogens are present in the sample, after interaction with the particles they can be detected using a magnetic field. The second part of the test uses the chemiluminescence method: when combined with bacteria resistant to antibiotics nanoparticles begin to shine, otherwise the sample remains dark.
In general, the test takes no more than three hours, compared to a few days with a classical bacterial culture. In the context of rapidly progressing disease, this "speeding up" of diagnosis can play a key role in saving lives.
The researchers note that the method could be adapted to diagnose other pathogens as well - creating particles sensitive to other pathogens. For example, they adapted it to diagnose another dangerous nosocomial pathogen, Pseudomonas pneumoniae, in urine tests.
Source: Empa - Communication - Sepsis sensor to fight antiobiotic resistantce