The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

This disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method for analyzing a sample from a subject for a biomarker that is indicative of the subject's immune response to -glucan. Generally, the method includes obtaining a biological sample from a subject, analyzing the sample for a biomarker anti--glucan antibody compared to a reference standard, computing a Relative Antibody Unit (RAU) value for anti--glucan antibody in the sample, and identifying the subject as biomarker positive if the RAU value is greater than a predetermined RAU value for the biomarker anti--glucan antibody.

This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a composition that includes a -glucan component and an antibody component that specifically binds to the -glucan. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method of increasing a subject's response to -glucan immunotherapy. Generally, the method includes identifying the subject as a low binder of -glucan and administering to the subject a composition that comprises a -glucan moiety conjugated to the therapeutic antibody. In some cases, the therapeutic antibody can be an anti-tumor antibody.

The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)--D-glucan in a sample.

This disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method for analyzing a sample from a subject for a biomarker that is indicative of the subject's immune response to -glucan. Generally, the method includes obtaining a biological sample from a subject, analyzing the sample for a biomarker anti--glucan antibody compared to a reference standard, computing a Relative Antibody Unit (RAU) value for anti--glucan antibody in the sample, and identifying the subject as biomarker positive if the RAU value is greater than a predetermined RAU value for the biomarker anti--glucan antibody.

The subject invention provides point-of-care assays for assessing the topographical distribution of microbial biofilm and/or specific microorganisms in wounds.

A hand-held measuring instrument is used for detecting hidden mold damage in interior spaces. The measuring instrument includes at least one collection unit configured to intake at least of one interior space sample, at least one buffer unit, at least one immunological test unit, an evaluation unit and a control panel. The at least one buffer unit has a first compartment and a second compartment.

This disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method for analyzing a sample from a subject for a biomarker that is indicative of the subject's immune response to -glucan. Generally, the method includes obtaining a biological sample from a subject, analyzing the sample for a biomarker anti--glucan antibody compared to a reference standard, computing a Relative Antibody Unit (RAU) value for anti--glucan antibody in the sample, and identifying the subject as biomarker positive if the RAU value is greater than a predetermined RAU value for the biomarker anti--glucan antibody.

The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)--D-glucan in a sample.

This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method for identifying -glucan binding to immune cells of a subject. Generally, the method includes obtaining a blood sample from the subject, the blood sample comprising immune cells, adding soluble -glucan to at least a portion of the blood sample and incubating the mixture under conditions allowing the soluble -glucan to bind to the immune cells, and detecting soluble -glucan hound to the immune cells. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method that generally includes identifying the subject as a low binder of -glucan, and co-administering to the subject a soluble -glucan and an antibody preparation capable of converting the subject from a low binder to a high binder.