Rapid detection of single bacteria in unprocessed blood using Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection.

Kang, Dong-Ku; Ali, M Monsur; Zhang, Kaixiang; Huang, Susan S; Peterson, Ellena; Digman, Michelle A; Gratton, Enrico; Zhao, Weian · Nat Commun · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Blood stream infection or sepsis is a major health problem worldwide, with extremely high mortality, which is partly due to the inability to rapidly detect and identify bacteria in the early stages of infection. Here we present a new technology termed 'Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection' (IC 3D) that can selectively detect bacteria directly from milliliters of diluted blood at single-cell sensitivity in a one-step, culture- and amplification-free process within 1.5-4 h. The IC 3D integrates real-time, DNAzyme-based sensors, droplet microencapsulation and a high-throughput 3D particle counter system. Using Escherichia coli as a target, we demonstrate that the IC 3D can provide absolute quantification of both stock and clinical isolates of E. coli in spiked blood within a broad range of extremely low concentration from 1 to 10,000 bacteria per ml with exceptional robustness and limit of detection in the single digit regime.

Medical subject headings