A research team from Northern Arizona University has received a U.S. patent for a new technique that can identify genetic strains of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

Paul Keim, an NAU microbiologist and director of the pathogen genomics division of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), led the team. James Schupp, assistant director of the Microbial Genetics and Genomics Center at NAU, and Robert Scott Spurgiesz, a former undergraduate, are named on the patent as co-discoverers.

The analysis, which can help doctors find the source of the bacterium, prevent its spread, and treat those who have might been exposed, has the potential to be used commercially as testing kits, Keim told the Arizona Republic. He also said NAU is discussing commercial use options with companies.

The TB test has emerged from work Keim and his team have been doing for the Department of Homeland Security. The group also has patents pending for techniques that test for salmonella and E. coli-related illnesses.

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For more information:

"TB test patent for NAU team," Arizona Republic, 06/22/2006