Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting a biological or chemical entity in a sample, wherein the biological or chemical is associated with extracellular vesicles. The methods disclosed comprise the steps of (a) processing the sample, (b) using a detection assay to detect the presence of extracellular vesicles and to isolate the extracellular vesicles, (c) processing the extracellular vesicles to expose or release the biological or chemical entity, and (e) detecting the biological or chemical entity released from the extracellular vesicle. In certain embodiments, the extracellular vesicles are associated with proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, lipids, nucleic acids or other cellular components. The detection methods are useful for identifying the presence of microbial antigens related to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, Coccidioides species, Cryptococcus species, and Histoplasma species.

Abstract: Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose. The most common filamentous fungal infection, aspergillosis, carries with it a high mortality. Culture of the organism is difficult and obtaining samples, e.g., though a lung biopsy, sometimes causes morbidity. Biomarkers that indicate ‘early’ infection in it development are sought after. One such biomarker is detection of galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide that is attached to hyphal cell walls and secreted during growth of the organism. Galactomannan is excreted in urine. Disclosed herein is a lateral flow assay comprising monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific residues of Aspergillus fumigates for detecting GM in urine samples to provide a point-of-care detection device to allow for frequent screening and early diagnosis in patients at high risk for infection.

Abstract: Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose. The most common filamentous fungal infection, aspergillosis, carries with it a high mortality. Culture of the organism is difficult and obtaining samples, e.g., through a lung biopsy, sometimes causes morbidity. Biomarkers that indicate ‘early’ infection in it development are sought after. One such biomarker is detection of galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide that is attached to hyphal cell walls and secreted during growth of the organism. Galactomannan is excreted in urine. Disclosed herein is a lateral flow assay comprising monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific residues of Aspergillus fumigatus for detecting GM in urine samples to provide a point-of-care detection device to allow for frequent screening and early diagnosis in patients at high risk for infection.

Abstract: Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose. The most common filamentous fungal infection, aspergillosis, carriers with it a high mortality. Culture of the organism is difficult and obtaining samples, e.g., through a lung biopsy, sometimes causes morbidity. Biomarkers that indicate ‘early’ infection in it development are sought after. One such biomarker is detection of galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide that is attached to hyphal cell walls and secreted during growth of the organism. Galactomannan is excreted in urine. Disclosed herein is a lateral flow assay comprising monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific residues of Aspergillus fumigates for detecting GM in urine samples to provide a point-of-care detection device to allow for frequent screening and early diagnosis in patients at high risk for infection.

Abstract: Fungal infections are difficult to diagnose. The most common filamentous fungal infection, aspergillosis, carries with it a high mortality. Culture of the organism is difficult and obtaining samples, e.g., though a lung biopsy, sometimes causes morbidity. Biomarkers that indicate ‘early’ infection in it development are sought after. One such biomarker is detection of galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide that is attached to hyphal cell walls and secreted during growth of the organism. Galactomannan is excreted in urine. Disclosed herein is a lateral flow assay comprising monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific residues of Aspergillus fumigates for detecting GM in urine samples to provide a point-of-care detection device to allow for frequent screening and early diagnosis in patients at high risk for infection.