Microarray-Based Test to Help Better Understand and Detect Complicated UTI Infections

While Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are typically straightforward to diagnose and treat, there is a subset of patients for whom this is not the case. These individuals suffer from what are referred to as 'complicated UTIs,' where conventional treatments fall short and a specific combination of antibiotics and treatments tailored to each unique case is required. Understanding the 'microbiome' and its interaction with the infectious pathogen is also a key concern for infectious disease specialists. Now, a single test can identify over 20 organisms and an extensive range of drug-resistant genes, facilitating the development of targeted treatment plans that maximize therapy effectiveness.

PathogenDx’s (Scottsdale, AZ, USA) first UTI assay is built on its unique D3 Array technology, a groundbreaking approach to multiplexed arrays and a crucial asset in the evolution of infectious disease testing. The D3 Array, standing for Dynamic, Dimensional, Detection Technology, bridges the technological gap between traditional PCR-based assays, arrays, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). It offers multiplexed targeted sequence detection that is affordable, quick, and highly accurate and sensitive. The D3 Array is designed to mimic a three-dimensional structure or scaffold, providing a larger surface area than traditional two-dimensional microarrays. This design allows for a higher density of molecular probes attached to the surface, and the sample can move freely within the 3D structure. This movement, similar to a solution-like environment, increases the likelihood of probe-sample binding events, reducing the time needed for hybridization and clinical result reporting.

Image: D3 Array enables rapid and accurate molecular testing (Photo courtesy of PathogenDx)

The D3 Array is quick, shortening the time to results. It can simultaneously provide identification and drug-resistance results in a single test, and detect a wide variety of organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), as well as identify drug-resistant genes. This allows for the creation of advanced, multiplexed panels in a single 'well' test. If necessary, the D3 Array can detect over 100 targets in a single reaction, with a single shift time to result. Its unique 3D architecture optimizes the test's speed and sensitivity and enables simplified multiplexed testing. The D3 Array provides multiplexed targeted sequence detection that is cost-effective, quick, and highly accurate and sensitive.

Rapid and precise identification of infectious pathogens is essential to maximize patient care and ensure positive outcomes. Rapid identification of the causative organism and the presence or absence of drug-resistant genes can enhance and guide therapy, promoting effective patient management and preventing serious complications. The D3 Array technology fits perfectly between PCR-based assays, known for their reliable pathogen identification, and NGS sequencing, recognized as a crucial discovery tool. This technology becomes especially valuable when multiple PCR-based assays are needed, which can be costly and time-consuming, or when NGS sequencing goes beyond what is required.

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