DIAGNOSTIC MARKERS OF WOUND INFECTION
First Claim
1. A method of determining the microbial bioburden in a diabetic ulcer in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a diabetic ulcer sample, wherein a measured cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates a significant microbial bioburden in the diabetic ulcer.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of determining the microbial bioburden in a wound (in particular a diabetic ulcer) in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a wound sample, wherein a cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates a significant microbial bioburden in the wound (or a cytokine level higher than a reference level indicates an insignificant microbial bioburden in the wound). The invention provides methods of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of wound infection, and devices and kits for use in such methods.
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Citations
29 Claims
- 1. A method of determining the microbial bioburden in a diabetic ulcer in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a diabetic ulcer sample, wherein a measured cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates a significant microbial bioburden in the diabetic ulcer.
- 3. A method of identifying an infected diabetic ulcer in a test subject, the method comprising the step of measuring the level of a cytokine in a diabetic ulcer sample, wherein a measured cytokine level lower than a reference level indicates the presence of infection in the diabetic ulcer.
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7. A method for the treatment of a diabetic ulcer, comprising the steps of measuring the level of a cytokine in a diabetic ulcer sample, and applying an antimicrobial wound dressing to the ulcer if the measured level of the cytokine is lower than a reference level.
- 8. A method for the treatment of a diabetic ulcer, comprising the steps of measuring the level of a cytokine in a diabetic ulcer sample, and applying a non-antimicrobial wound dressing to the ulcer if the measured level of the cytokine is higher than a reference level.
Specification