A Point-of-Care Assay for the Detection of Q fever

The objective of this proposal is to develop a highly sensitive point-of-care rapid test assay for the diagnosis of Q-fever. Selected highly immunogenic and unique surface-membrane proteins from Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent for Q-fever will be the basis for the rapid test assay. We will utilize the antigens and antibodies prepared during Phase I to create an improved version of the diagnostic assay capable of detecting Coxiella analyte(s) in the range of pg/ml. Venues to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the assay will be pursued. We envision creating a POC rapid test kit capable of detecting Coxiella-specific antibodies and/or Coxiella-specific antigen in infected subjects'' serum and whole blood.