The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobial agents.

Methods are provided for isolating CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, methods for purifying a subset of IL-13 expressing CD8 T cells are provided, such methods comprising the steps of marking the CD8+ T cells by labeling CD8, or selectively removing non-CD8 cells, and then purifying a subset of IL-13 expressing CD8+ T cells by marking a human biomarker such as C10orf128. Related antibodies and antiserums are also described, such antibodies related to a cell surface domain peptide for biomarker C10orf128, and human homologs of related mouse activated CD8IL-13 cell surface biomarkers Tm4sf19 and 1830127L07Rik.

The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT153, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

System and method for remote self-collection of a blood sample for assessment at a lab to detect presence of specific sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An at-home collection kit may include an ability to detect chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), bacterial vaginosis (BV), candida vaginitis (CV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), HSV-2, syphilis, HIV, HBsAg, an HCV. The screening of samples for the presence of antigens and/or antibodies to infectious agents is a primary laboratory tool for the diagnosis of infections of the above viruses and bacterium. Distributing a specimen collection kit containing dried blood spot (DBS) cards can eliminate the hurdles of visiting clinics or hospitals and reduce stigma. DBS samples collected on filter paper, such as GE Whatman 903 protein saver cards, offer several advantages over on-site phlebotomist collection. The DBS cards and collection devices are especially useful for individuals who live in remote areas where healthcare resources may be limited.