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Shining a Light on Infection

Shining a Light on Infection

July 30, 2008

Medical Research, Press Releases

NEW YORK, NY — August 20, 2007 — A new type of fiber optic biosensor-enabled blood test that resembles a pen rapidly determines what type of infection a patient has and whether he needs antibiotics. The biopen, called PhagoLum, was developed by Drs. Moni Magrisso and Robert Marks of BGU’s National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and could be on the market by 2009.


The biopen uses whole blood chemiluminescence to differentiate between infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The new test will be a boon for use in emergency rooms, physicians’ offices and laboratories. Currently it may take days to determine what type of infection a patient has, which may mean either delaying proper treatment or giving patients unnecessary antibiotics.


PhagoLum rapidly assesses the activity of certain immune cells, called phagocytes, in the blood, which correlate to a patient’s immune reaction to invading pathogens. PhagoLum can also determine how the patient is recovering and if antibiotics are working.

ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY

By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.

About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.

We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.

BGU at a glance:  

20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.

 

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