Provided are: an antibody binding specifically to a surface antigen, pre-S1, of a hepatitis B virus (HBV); a polynucleotide coating the antibody; an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide; a transformation agent comprising the expression vector; and use of the antibody in treating or preventing HBV infection and in detecting an HBV.

A kit is disclosed for distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections. One of the antibodies of the kit specifically binds to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) protein and another of the antibodies of the kit specifically binds to Procalcitonin (PCT) protein.

A tissue tester for providing an indication of the presence of disease including a first paper tissue sheet; and a filter patch treated with a color changing indicator affixed to the first paper tissue sheet. The tester may also consist of a single sheet of filter paper treated with a solution of turmeric and alcohol. The color indicator changes from yellow to brown when disease is indicated in respiratory secretions.

Disclosed is a test device and a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample. The test device includes a housing defining a sample port, a test well containing a stirrer and a conjugate, and a test strip disposed within the housing. The test well is also defined by being located between the sample port and the test strip. Fluid flows from the test well onto the test strip, which has a trapping zone which binds the analyte and allows for its detection. A control zone may also be included. The test device is generally adapted to use a sandwich assay. Also disclosed is a system comprising the test device and a signal sensing device; and a method for using the test device.

This invention relates to the rapid determination of the viral titer by contacting a solution comprising viral particles, such as lentiviral particles, comprising a heterologous envelope protein, such as VSV-G, with an immobilised receptor that binds to the envelope protein, and determining the binding of the viral particles to be immobilised receptor using surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Antiviral biomimetic polymers (ABPs) are disclosed that can be used to prevent and/or treat viral disease. The ABPs are discovered by a process involving high-throughput screening of polymer libraries using disease-relevant bioactive molecules as target molecules. ABPs can be nanoscale (termed nanoABPs) or larger. Methods are described for the preparation and use of ABPs as prophylactics and therapeutics (in vivo) and as preventative agents, for example, in personal protective equipment (ex vivo). ABPs can be used to prevent and treat viral diseases including those caused by Filoviridae.

The invention relates to coloured particles with particular mass density, diameters and surface charge comprising pathogen ligands immobilized. The particles are used in methods for detecting and/or characterizing pathogens present in isolated test samples, as well as in methods for detecting and/or characterizing pathogen-binding antibodies present in isolated test samples. A kit comprising the particles is also disclosed.

An atomic level deposition for mass functionalization of a cavity filled with a pathogen sensitive antibody reagent to functionalize each Biosensor using atomic level vapor phase deposition enables high volume production of this sensor technology. A biosensor has a first substrate and a second substrate with a cavity formed in the first substrate to form a membrane. Holes is formed through the second substrate. An aluminum oxide layer is formed over the cavity and into the holes to form cores. The cavity is filled with a pathogen sensitive antibody reagent. A biofluid sample with the pathogen is deposited over the membrane. The biofluid is drawn through the cores to mix with the antibody reagent. The antibodies combine with the pathogen to change the impedance along the current path. The presence of the pathogen changes the ionic current flow through the biosensor for a positive detection of the pathogen.

The invention relates to a vaccine comprising live attenuated recombinant alphavirus comprising mutated capsid protein. The invention also relates to a method of preventing a subject from contracting an alphaviral infection that would otherwise produce clinical signs of disease. In an embodiment the mutated capsid protein is Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) capsid protein having a mutated nucleolar localisation signal/sequence (NoLS), preferably the mutant NLS 101/95.

Animal models that are permissive for human polyomaviruses and their uses for the screening of candidate agents are described.