Monitoring Patients for Developing Communicable and Opportunistic Infections and for Responding to Therapy

Patients are exposed to infectious agents regularly, regardless of their immunologic status. Traditionally clinicians have decided to institute prophylaxis based on epidemiologic factors, skin test (i.e. PPD), or immunologic parameters. A quantitative and specific method that is non-invasive, such as quantitative PCR, would be desirable to more precisely define those who would benefit from prophylaxis. Similarly, when patients develop disease and are being treated, quantitative, non-invasive techniques are needed to assess response to therapy. This project is designed to develop and test quantitative tests using blood, urine, or sputum samples.