Method of detecting transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

US6406860B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services · US
• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US

Inventors

• Gary Hsich · Philadelphia, US
• Kimbra Kenney · Arlington, US
• Clarence J. Gibbs, Jr. · Washington, US
• Michael G. Harrington · Spokane, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 7, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2002
• Expiry date: Jun 7, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S436/811
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention provides an improved assays for the detection of transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in humans and non-human mammals. The methods involve detecting the presence or absence of 14-3-3 proteins in cerebrospinal fluid from the tested organism. Elevated levels of 14-3-3 are indicative of transmissable spongiform encephalopathies, in particular Cretzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans or mad cow disease in bovines).