A Portable, Reagentless Spectral Analyzer for Rapid Diagnosis of Campylobacter Enteritis and Shigella Dysentery

A portable fluorometric spectral analyzer for rapid field or shipboard diagnosis of Campylobacter enteritis and Shigella dysentery Is proposed for Phase I feasibility demonstration. All living cells are fluorescent and exhibit "fingerprint" spectral patterns that allow for their detection and Identification. The Campylobacter and Shigella bacteria have specific fluorescent patterns that may be used for their identification and separate classification from the microbes of other microbial diseases such as malaria (protozoa) and dengue fever (virus). In addition to their fluorescent spectral patterns, these two microbes also have significantly different sizes and shapes which can be detected through an expanded form of spectrometric analysis in the same Instrument. In fact, this same instrument with modifications could be used In the future to diagnose malaria. In Phase 1, a benchtop experimental optical breadboard in combination with existing commercial laboratory instruments, will be used to establish the feasibility of the proposed instrument to detect and Identify Campylobacter and Shigella without the need for reagents of any kind.