NanoLogix Group B Streptococcus Quick Test technology is currently undergoing a 300-patient clinical study at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC). Preliminary results published in the American Journal of Perinatology (August 2011) “Rapid Diagnostic Test for Identifying Group B Streptococcus” verify that NanoLogix technology provides rapid detection and identification of viable Group B Strep (GBS) bacteria in as little as 4 hours using NanoLogix BNP and BNF Quick Test technology. This is in marked contrast to the 48 to 72 hours required by current methods.
The CDC estimates thirty percent of reproductive-age women in the U.S. are colonized with Group B Strep bacteria. GBS causes a significant infection in both the mother and newborn, which in some cases can result in death of the newborn. According to the Centers for Disease Control, GBS is the most common cause of sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis, and is a frequent cause of pneumonia in newborns.
The study at the University of Texas Health Science Center is designed to compare NanoLogix technology to current methods in use for rapid detection and identification of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women. Initial results at UTHSC-Houston show the technology identifies GBS in as little as six hours. This is 8 to 12 times faster than the conventional methods of PCR (DNA sequencing) and traditional Petri culturing, either of which can take 48 hours or longer.
UTHSC physicians anticipate these considerably faster results will reduce the needless administration of antibiotics and help stem the increasing antibiotic resistance of GBS and other bacteria. In addition, the same-day, and in some cases “same-shift,” results mean physicians and technicians can make a more informed prognosis and treatment protocol for patients.