IMMUNOASSAY-BASED DETECTION OF INFECTIOUS AGENTS.

Abstract:

Infectious diseases pose significant threats to global health, necessitating the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. Immunoassays have emerged as valuable tools for the detection of infectious agents due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and ability to provide rapid results. This abstract provides an overview of immunoassay-based techniques employed for the detection of various infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Immunological-based detection methods rely on the specific recognition of target antigens by antibodies, enabling the identification and quantification of infectious agents. There are several immunoassay formats commonly used, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs).

ELISAs are widely employed for infectious disease detection, leveraging the binding affinity between antigens and antibodies. This technique utilizes enzyme-labeled antibodies or antigens to generate a measurable signal, facilitating the quantification of target analytes. ELISAs offer high sensitivity and can be automated, making them suitable for large-scale screenings.

Lateral flow assays (LFAs), also known as rapid diagnostic tests, are simple, portable, and user-friendly immunoassays. These assays employ capillary action to transport the sample along a nitrocellulose membrane, where the target analyte interacts with immobilized antibodies, resulting in a visible signal. LFAs provide rapid results within minutes, making them valuable for point-of-care testing, especially in resource-limited settings.

Chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs) utilize chemiluminescent compounds that emit light upon antigen-antibody interactions. These assays offer increased sensitivity and a broader dynamic range compared to other immunoassay formats. CLIAs are well-suited for high-throughput applications, such as screening blood donations or monitoring disease progression.

Immunoassay-based detection methods have been successfully employed for the identification and surveillance of various infectious agents, including viral pathogens like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, influenza viruses, and bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Additionally, immunoassays have been utilized for the detection of parasitic diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis.

In conclusion, immunoassay-based techniques have revolutionized the detection and diagnosis of infectious agents. Their high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid turnaround time make them invaluable tools in clinical settings, epidemiological surveillance, and point-of-care testing. Continued advancements in immunoassay technologies hold promise for improved infectious disease monitoring, early detection, and effective control strategies.

Keywords: immunoassay, infectious agents, diagnostic methods, ELISA, lateral flow assay, chemiluminescent immunoassay, viral pathogens, bacterial pathogens, parasitic diseases, point-of-care testing.

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