Devices & Diagnostics

‘Cat Scratch’ bacteria test gets SBIR grant for N.C. firm Galaxy Diagnostics

Medical technology company Galaxy Diagnostics has been awarded a $188,000 federal grant for its research […]

Medical technology company Galaxy Diagnostics has been awarded a $188,000 federal grant for its research on a detection technology for the bacteria that causes Cat Scratch Disease.

The SBIR grant comes from the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes for Health. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based Galaxy has developed a test that targets Bartonella bacteria, which is a key agent in Cat Scratch Disease, also commonly called “Cat Scratch Fever.” Bartonella bacteria is also connected to a range of chronic animal and human conditions that affect the central nervous system, joints and vascular system. The bacteria can be transmitted by flea and tick bites, animal bites and animal scratches.

“We are very grateful that the NIH/NIAID recognizes the importance of better testing for Bartonella, and this grant will help us further refine our test methodology and develop test kits to make this test more widely available,” Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt,  co-inventor of the testing technology and Galaxy chief science officer, said in a prepared statement.

A successful Bartonella diagostic would represent a medical breakthrough. Bartonella bacteria are difficult to detect and  conventional tests often return false negatives, which  leads to missed diagnosis and treatment.  Galaxy’s patented test, called EnrichmentPCR, was developed by research scientists at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The diagnostic  combines molecular detection methods with a patented growth medium for detecting the presence of Bartonella DNA. Galaxy said that the technology improves testing accuracy compared with other available techniques. The company is aiming to bring Bartonella testing to both animal and human health markets.

Shares0
Shares0