Biosensors to characterize immune response to bacterial diseases

Within the research project “Advanced Materials for Personalized Medicine and Diagnostics (AMPMeD)” at the Linnaeus University, the sub-projects, “Enhanced bacterial infection diagnosis” lead by Dr. Sofia Somajo is now initiating test of Borrelia infected individuals. Sera and dry blood samples will be tested according to Attanas immunity profiles concept.

The AmPMeD project started previously this year and includes the entire chain from sampling, via analysis to reporting. The project's participants gather expertise from the commercial and public sectors as well as researchers and developers. Within the sub-project “Enhanced bacterial infection diagnostics” the last months has focused on combining information on different variants of Borrelia geographically presence, market potential and available commercial antigens suitable for diagnostic assays.

Everything is now set, and the experiments will be initiated in the beginning of January, when all necessary reagents and samples are available. The experimental set up will contain antigens from Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii, both belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi senso latu complex. In Sweden and other initially relevant European markets, the infection is mainly caused by these species.

The experiments will initially be performed using serum samples focusing on compatibility with existing assays, but the focus will be to add the quantitative dry blood spot (qDBS sampling cards) to facilitate home sampling at the end of the project. The latter is important since early and correct treatment of the infection is important for a fast and complete recovery for the individual. Home sampling enables convenient early testing and Attana’s immunity profiles will ensure fast and relevant data regarding the immune response over time.

For more information about Borrelia infection and the scientific part of the project, contact: [email protected]

For more information about immunity profile and biosensors, contact: [email protected]