ID-FISH Technology Inc. is focused on the development of high quality, simple, rapid, and inexpensive diagnostic test kits for the detection of infectious diseases from clinical samples using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technology. FISH assay is an in vitro fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) microscopic test for direct, semi-quantitative detection and differentiation of pathogens in clinical samples and culture. The target is ribosomal RNA (rRNA). rRNA is highly abundant in a cell, therefore amplification is not required. The rRNA molecule has some very highly conserved regions and some variable regions. Thus it is possible to design genus, species and strain specific probes. Due to this unique property of rRNA, FISH assays that can detect and differentiate between various species of the pathogen can be developed. ID-FISH Technology is working on development of diagnostic assays for detection of malaria parasites and other infectious diseases directly from blood smears using the firm's patented FISH technique. Babesia and Bartonella FISH tests are already in use (offered as clinical tests by IGeneX Inc, Palo Alto, CA). The firm has also developed a test to detect Plasmodium specific RNA directly on a blood smear. Currently, test kits are available for detection of all malaria parasites that cause human disease. Testing includes the ability to differentiate P. vivax and P. falciparum from other malaria parasites. The firm is working on developing FISH tests for mycobacteria with future plans to develop diagnostic tests for typhoid fever.
