Optimum Imaging Diagnostics (OIDx) is Proud to Announce the Release of Their First Commercial Test, the Histoplasma Capsulatum Urinary Antigen EIA Test

SCARBOROUGH, Maine, January 18, 2019 (Newswire.com) - Histoplasmosis is a systemic disease caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (1). Histoplasma capsulatum is a global concern and endemic to parts of Latin America, Africa, as well as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys in the United States. Histoplasmosis is most common among patients positive for HIV or otherwise having a compromised immune system. It is estimated that the number of cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV patients is 100,000 worldwide and 80,000 deaths, partly due to the lack of diagnosis (2). It is especially a problem in regions of the world where antiretroviral therapy (ART), which prevents HIV infected people from reaching the stage where they are especially vulnerable to histoplasmosis and other opportunistic infections, is not widely available (3). It is beginning to be recognized that Histoplasmosis is more widespread than initially thought and the current understanding of its presence is incomplete. Therefore, it has been recommended that testing should be performed on patients with immune suppression, if physicians are considering disseminated histoplasmosis, regardless of geographic area or travel history (4).

The OIDx assay system utilizes a unique rabbit monoclonal antibody directed against a distinct antigenic determinant on the intact galactomannan molecule. The OIDx Histoplasma capsulatum Urinary Antigen EIA provides high sensitivity and specificity when compared to current in-house developed proprietary tests. The Histoplasma capsulatum Urinary Antigen EIA provides an easy to use format and breakaway wells allowing for small volume testing, yielding results in 90 minutes. Current diagnosis requires samples to either be evaluated by culture, which can take weeks, or to be sent to reference laboratories, which is expensive and can take 2-3 days for a result. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to aid in reducing the high mortality rate.  

About OIDx - Optimum Imaging Diagnostics (www.Optimumidx.com) is a new company that is devoted to developing novel technology for elevating the diagnosis of infectious diseases and providing the necessary tools for physicians to help improve patient outcomes.  OIDx was founded by Roger Piasio, who has a long history of bringing innovation to the field of diagnostic testing, including the world’s first rapid Legionella and Streptococcus Pneumoniae point of care tests.  Contact OIDx to learn more via email at [email protected] or telephone at (207) 466-1102.

Citations:

1. Darling, S. A Protozoan General Infection Producing Pseudotubercules In the lungs and Focal Necrosis in the Liver, Spleen, and Lymph Nodes. J.Am.Med. Association. 1906, 46, 1283-1285.

2.Open letter on Disseminated histoplasmosis and AIDS-to key stake holders tackling AIDS epidemic Posted February 16, 2016 GAFFI

3.Wheat, J. Histoplasmosis: recognition and treatment. Clin. Infect. Dis.1994, 19 Suppl 1:S19-S27

4. Curr Trop Med Rep. 2015 June 1;2(2): 70-80. Doi:10.1007/s40475-015-0044-0. Histoplasmosis infections worldwide: Thinking outside of the Ohio river valley

Source: Optimum Imaging Diagnostics