Devices and methods for the detection of an infection

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for rapidly detecting streptococcus bacteria. An illustrative device includes a first elongate handle connected to a first edible portion and a second elongate handle connected to a second edible portion. The first and second elongate handles are connected by a banding material. The first and second edible portions are inserted into the mouth of an individual for receiving a saliva sample.

1 . A method for detecting an infection, comprising:
 a) providing a device including:
 i) a first elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of the first elongate handle including a first flavored substance; and 
 ii) a second elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of the second elongate handle including a second flavored substance; 
 wherein the first elongate handle is configured to be maintained in positional registration along its length alongside and parallel with respect to the second elongate handle by a frangible coupling, and further wherein the first flavored substance and the second flavored substance are configured to be tasted by an individual from which a saliva sample is to be withdrawn when the device is inserted into the individual's mouth; 
   b) disposing the device into an individual's mouth;   c) collecting a saliva sample from the individual with the device, and   d) testing the saliva sample to determine if an indicator is present in the saliva indicating the presence of  streptococcus  bacteria.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the determining step includes detecting an antigen associated with the  streptococcus  bacteria. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method for rapidly detecting an infection, comprising:
 a) providing a device including:
 i) an outer elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the outer elongate tubular body including a flavored substance disposed thereon; and 
 i) at least one swab for receiving a saliva sample slidably disposed within an elongate passage defined by the outer elongate tubular body so as to be extendable and retractable within a range of longitudinal positions with respect to the outer elongate tubular body, the at least one swab being slidable beyond a distal end of the outer elongate tubular body to receive the saliva sample; 
   b) disposing the device into an individual's mouth;   c) collecting a saliva sample from the individual with the device; and   d) testing the saliva sample to determine if an indicator is present in the saliva indicating the presence of  streptococcus  bacteria.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the determining step includes detecting an antigen associated with the  streptococcus  bacteria. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A method for detecting an infection, comprising:
 a) providing a device including:
 i) an outer elongate flavored tubular handle having a proximal end and a distal end; and 
 ii) at least one swab slidably disposed within the outer elongate flavored tubular handle so as to be extendable and retractable within a range of longitudinal positions with respect to the outer elongate flavored tubular handle, said at least one swab being slidable out of the distal end of the outer elongate flavored tubular handle to receive a saliva sample; 
   b) disposing the device into an individual's mouth;   c) collecting a saliva sample from the individual with the device; and   d) testing the saliva sample to determine if an antigen is present in the saliva indicating the presence of  streptococcus  bacteria.   
     
     
         8 . (canceled)