Abstract: The inventive technology includes novel systems, method and compositions for the identification and classification of host-derived RNA biomarkers produced in response to an infection.

Abstract: The current inventive technology is directed to systems, methods, and compositions detection of host signatures of pathogenic infection, and in particular a rapid detection assay configured to detect target RNA transcripts that may be biomarkers of infection. In one embodiment, the invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the early detection of pathogens or infection in an asymptomatic subject through a novel lateral flow assay, which in a preferred embodiment may include a rapid self-administered test strip configured to detect one or more RNA transcript biomarkers produced by a subject's innate immune system in response to a pathogen or infection and present in saliva.