Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the quantification of an unknown bioagent in a sample by amplification of nucleic acid of the bioagent, and concurrent amplification of a known quantity of a calibration polynucleotide from which are obtained a bioagent identifying amplicon and a calibration amplicon. Upon molecular mass analysis, mass and abundance data are obtained. The identity of the bioagent is then determined from the molecular mass of the bioagent identifying amplicon and the quantity of the identified bioagent in the sample is determined from the abundance data of the bioagent identifying amplicon and the abundance data of the calibration amplicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic investigations by identification of bioagents associated with biowarfare and acts of terrorism or crime. The methods are also useful for epidemiological investigations by genotyping of bioagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of sepsis-causing bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of orthopoxviruses by amplification of a segment of viral nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of adventitious contaminant viruses by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to strain typing of Escherichia coli TY2482 and/or LB226692, and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis. In particular embodiments, a genetic detection assay (e.g., SNP detection assay, sequencing, etc.) is used to identify mutations in the aggregative adherence fimbria I gene cluster fimbrial subunit (aggA) gene to identify the TY2482 strain, including mutations at position 103, 158, 188, 191, 197, and 271.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of alphaviruses by amplification of a segment of viral nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and compositions and kits containing the same for rapid identification of orthopoxviruses by amplification of a segment of viral nucleic acid followed by molecular mass analysis are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to identification of Salmonella enterica bacteria or strains of Salmonella enterica, and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of arenaviruses and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of caliciviruses and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.