Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is an arabinose ester of a mycolic acid or an analogue thereof.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with mycobacteria. The method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system which comprises at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; (b) introducing a sample obtained from the individual into the system and into contact with each of the at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of the binding of a biomarker in the sample with each antigen in the system. The method may be particularly suitable for determining the presence or absence of a disease antibody indicative of infection with any disease caused by infection with mycobacteria, for example tuberculosis, leprosy, pulmonary disease, burili ulcer, Johne's disease and bovine tuberculosis. A kit and device are also described. The present invention may provide an over the counter device to allow individuals to check on a routine basis that they have normal immune responses.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is a mycolic acid wax ester derived antigen.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is a mycolic acid wax ester derived antigen.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with a mycobacterial disease, the method comprising: (a) providing a system which comprises an antigen; (b) contacting the system with a sample obtained from the individual; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of binding of a biomarker in the sample with the antigen; wherein the antigen is an arabinose ester of a mycolic acid or an analogue thereof.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker, the method comprising: (a) linking an antigen to colloidal gold to provide a gold-antigen species; (b) contacting the gold-antigen species with the sample; (c) adding a diagnosis agent to the sample; and (d) observing the color of the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a porous substrate which carries an antigen; (b) contacting the substrate with the sample; (c) contacting the substrate with a composition comprising a secondary antibody; and (d) observing the substrate. The method may enable a very quick, simple test to be carried out to determine whether or not a particular sample contains a biomarker, for example an antibody indicative of infection with a mycobacterial disease. A kit and a device for determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker are also described.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with mycobacteria. The method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system which comprises at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; (b) introducing a sample obtained from the individual into the system and into contact with each of the at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of the binding of a biomarker in the sample with each antigen in the system. The method may be particularly suitable for determining the presence or absence of a disease antibody indicative of infection with any disease caused by infection with mycobacteria, for example tuberculosis, leprosy, pulmonary disease, burili ulcer, Johne's disease and bovine tuberculosis. A kit and device are also described. The present invention may provide an over the counter device to allow individuals to check on a routine basis that they have normal immune responses.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker indicative of exposure to mycobacteria, the method comprising: (a) providing a substrate carrying a mycolic acid derived antigen; (b) contacting the substrate with the sample; (c) contacting the substrate with a fluorophore species; (d) creating an evanescent wave at the boundary of the substrate and the sample; (e) detecting the presence or absence of fluorescence.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker, the method comprising: (a) linking an antigen to colloidal gold to provide a gold-antigen species; (b) contacting the gold-antigen species with the sample; (c) adding a diagnosis agent to the sample; and (d) observing the colour of the sample.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence in a sample of a biomarker indicative of exposure to mycobacteria, the method comprising: (a) providing a substrate carrying a mycolic acid derived antigen; (b) contacting the substrate with the sample; (c) contacting the substrate with a fluorophore species; (d) creating an evanescent wave at the boundary of the substrate and the sample; (e) detecting the presence or absence of fluorescence.

Abstract: This invention provides a sensing device comprising an electrode comprising a noble metal layer, on which layer is located a biological material having nitroreductase activity. This invention further provides a method of detecting nitro group containing compounds, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sensing device of the first aspect of the invention and a reference electrode; (b) applying a potential between the electrodes; (c) measuring the current; (d) contacting the sensing device with a sample of substrate material to be tested; and (e) measuring the current change.