# A New, More Accurate Test for 'Walking Pneumonia' Bacteria > This patent describes a new method and instrument for detecting *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, the bacteria causing 'walking pneumonia,' using a special antibody that binds strongly to two specific proteins from the germ. - **Patent:** US 20230176052 - **Original title:** Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoassay method and immunoassay instrument - **Owner:** Denka Co - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical, medical_devices, diagnostics ## What it does This patent describes an immunoassay method to detect *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* by using a unique monoclonal antibody. This antibody is special because it specifically reacts with two proteins from the bacteria, P1 protein and P30 protein (Claim 1). Crucially, this antibody also specifically recognizes a small part of a protein, called a peptide, that contains the amino acid sequence PPQPG (Claim 1). The method involves an 'antigen-antibody reaction' where the antibody binds to these bacterial proteins if they are present in a sample. The patent also covers instruments, like an 'immunochromatographic strip' (Claim 7), which is a type of rapid test strip, that uses this antibody. For example, a doctor could use a test strip coated with this antibody to quickly check a patient's sample for *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* proteins. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover immunoassay methods that do not use a monoclonal antibody specifically reacting with *both* P1 and P30 proteins of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* (Claim 1). - Does not cover antibodies that do not specifically react with a peptide containing the amino acid sequence PPQPG (Claim 1). - Does not cover methods for detecting other types of bacteria or viruses, only *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* (Claim 1). - Does not cover diagnostic methods that do not rely on an antigen-antibody reaction (Claim 1). - Does not cover antibodies that only react with P1 protein or only with P30 protein, but not both (Claim 1). ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the specific monoclonal antibody itself. It's designed to recognize not just one, but two key proteins (P1 and P30) of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, and also a very specific amino acid sequence (PPQPG). This dual-target recognition, combined with its higher binding strength compared to older antibodies, makes the detection more precise and potentially more sensitive. ## Real-world examples 1. Rapid diagnostic test kits for *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* 2. Laboratory immunoassay instruments for clinical diagnostics 3. Immunochromatographic strips used in point-of-care testing 4. Diagnostic reagents for infectious disease testing ## Why it matters *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is a common cause of respiratory infections, often called 'walking pneumonia,' which can be difficult to diagnose quickly. This patent aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed by providing a more specific and higher-affinity antibody for detection. Faster and more reliable diagnosis can lead to quicker treatment, helping patients recover sooner and potentially reducing the spread of the infection. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does A New, More Accurate Test for 'Walking Pneumonia' Bacteria cover? This patent describes a new method and instrument for detecting *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, the bacteria causing 'walking pneumonia,' using a special antibody that binds strongly to two specific proteins from the germ. ### Who owns patent US 20230176052? This patent is owned by Denka Co. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on April 6, 2041, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is a common cause of respiratory infections, often called 'walking pneumonia,' which can be difficult to diagnose quickly. This patent aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed by providing a more specific and higher-affinity antibody for detection. Faster and more reliable diagnosis can lead to quicker treatment, helping patients recover sooner and potentially reducing the spread of the infection. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover immunoassay methods that do not use a monoclonal antibody specifically reacting with *both* P1 and P30 proteins of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20230176052/mycoplasma-pneumoniae-immunoassay-method-and-immunoassay-instrument **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230176052 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Two Special Antibodies Find Substances in Body Fluids](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4376110/psa-test-for-prostate-cancer) — This patent describes a "sandwich" method using two highly specific, man-made antibodies to detect and measure tiny amounts of specific substances, like disease markers, in a fluid sample. - [An Antibody That Detects Specific Sugar-Protein Combinations for Diagnostics](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10479827/monoclonal-antibody-reacting-with-glycopeptide-and-use-thereof) — This patent describes a unique antibody designed to precisely recognize a specific sugar-protein structure, particularly a 'fucosylated glycopeptide' found on certain proteins like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which is useful for medical tests. - [How Vaccines Protect Pigs from Respiratory Bacteria](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5876725/synagis-palivizumab) — A 1999 patent describing a vaccine for swine that uses specific bacterial proteins to trigger an immune response against the lung disease caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. - [How to Detect Disease Markers Using Colored Proteins](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4302536/colorimetric-immunoassay-process) — A 1981 method for measuring disease-related proteins in blood by attaching them to naturally colored proteins that can be detected with light. - [How to Treat Severe Lung Infections Using Ceftolozane and Tazobactam](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10028963/biktarvy-bictegravir-taf-ftc) — A medical treatment method for severe, hospital-acquired pneumonia using a specific, recurring intravenous dose of the antibiotic combination ceftolozane and tazobactam.