The Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) San Diego is one of the first diagnostic labs to utilize the TIGER (triangulation identification for genetic evaluation of risks) system.
TIGER (recently renamed the T-5000), developed by IBIS Biosciences, is designed as a universal diagnostic device, theoretically capable of identifying all life forms and viruses using DNA/RNA sequence information. NHRC is using this device to identify pathogenic bacteria and viruses found in throat swab samples from military personnel with symptoms of upper respiratory disease.
The platform consists of a PCR-based system for signal amplification and a mass spectrometer for uniquely sensitive, fast, and accurate detection.
Precise mass data are processed to yield base count information—the total number of each type of nucleotide base—in amplified DNA fragments (PCR products). This information is gathered from several distinct genes and compared to databases of previously sequenced alleles and known TIGER profiles to identify the source(s) of the amplified fragments.
Previous NHRC/IBIS collaborations have investigated adenoviruses, Group A Strep, and influenza in recruit populations. NHRC is currently using TIGER in parallel with gold-standard technologies such as culture, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR in an effort to clinically certify and apply TIGER for routine influenza diagnosis.
The Center has a collaborative research agreement with IBIS to study the uses of TIGER relevant to avian influenza identification and coronavirus detection, using the TIGER machine currently in service in the NHRC Respiratory Disease Advanced Diagnostics facility.
More info: Dr. Van Orden, 619-553-9289
