Inventors:
Cameron K. Tebbi - Tampa FL, US
International Classification:
C12N 5/09
Abstract:
A diagnostic test is described using fungal cultures, EBV or their combination to induce leukemic cell surface markers in mononuclear cells of former or current leukemia patients. Detection of the leukemic transformation by means known in the art, identified patients who have or had leukemia, or potentially may become leukemic. Unlike aflatoxins, which indiscriminately induce leukemic transformation, the compositions used were specific to leukemia-predisposed patients, but not other cancers or normal controls. The test identifies survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and can detect propensity for development of leukemia in susceptible individuals. An ELISA technique using the described fungal products or EBV and combination can detect individuals with history of leukemia and not controls. The combination of cultures of EBV and , with and without radiation, results in the development of a new protein peak which is superior in observed results. These findings have implications for the etiology of leukemias and lymphomas. This invention can potentially be used for mass screening, detection of susceptible individuals to leukemia and ultimately their vaccination.