Fiber optic based detection of autofluorescent bacterial pathogens
First Claim
1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
- locating the end of an optical fiber in a wound or surgical site;
maintaining the end of the optical fiber in the wound or surgical site throughout a healing process of the wound or surgical site;
transmitting an excitation signal through a fiber optic cable to the wound or surgical site;
contacting any bacterial pathogen present with the excitation signal;
transmitting an autofluorescent emission signal from the bacterial pathogen to a portable detector; and
determining the presence or amount of the pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection in the wound or surgical site based on the autofluorescent emission signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site. Disclosed devices may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of a hospital acquired infection, thereby providing for earlier intervention. Disclosed methods utilize optical fibers to deliver an excitation signal to an area in which pathogenic bacteria may exist. In the presence of the excitation signal, bacterial pathogens may autofluoresce with a unique spectral signature. Upon generation of a fluorescent emission, an optically detectable emission signal may be transmitted to a detection/analysis device. Analysis of the characteristics of the emission signal produced in response to the excitation signal may be used to determine the presence or concentration of pathogens at the site of inquiry, following which real time information may be transmitted to medical personnel via a wireless transmission system.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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locating the end of an optical fiber in a wound or surgical site; maintaining the end of the optical fiber in the wound or surgical site throughout a healing process of the wound or surgical site; transmitting an excitation signal through a fiber optic cable to the wound or surgical site; contacting any bacterial pathogen present with the excitation signal; transmitting an autofluorescent emission signal from the bacterial pathogen to a portable detector; and determining the presence or amount of the pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection in the wound or surgical site based on the autofluorescent emission signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A portable device for detecting the amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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a portable enclosure containing a power source, an excitation energy source, an optical detector, a signal processor, and a signaling device for emitting a signal upon detection of the pathogenic bacterium in a wound or surgical site, wherein the signaling device emits a signal upon detection of a bacterial concentration of the pathogenic bacterium greater than about 105 colony forming units per millimeter; a connecting device for attaching the enclosure to the clothing or body of a wearer; and a fiber optic cable for inserting into the wound or surgical site, the fiber optic cable being in optical communication with the excitation energy source, the fiber optic cable extending for a length exterior to the enclosure, the fiber optic cable including an end configured to be maintained within the wound or surgical site throughout a healing process. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification