Protein to help differentiate bacterial and non-bacterial infections!

Q.  A new tool discovered by scientists will differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial infections by detecting a protein. What is this protein called?
- Published on 25 Oct 16

a. Lipocalin
b. Fipocalin
c. Sipocalin
d. None of the above

ANSWER: Lipocalin
 
Protein to help differentiate bacterial and non-bacterial infections!A new tool which can differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial infections is being showcased at a leading global competition called iGEM 2016
  • The device has the potential to be placed in GP surgeries or walk-in centres to enable patients with flu based symptoms to provide a small blood sample so that the nature of the infection can be discovered
  • The tool differentiates between bacterial and viral infection by detecting a protein called lipocalin
  • The protein is produced in high levels by the immune system in response to bacterial infections
  • The protein’s function is to bind small molecules which bacteria use to access iron to grow
  • The device has been discovered to enable genetically modified bacteria to mix with the blood sample of the patient and turn fluorescent when there are low levels of lipocalin protein indicating a viral, not bacterial infection

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