Deborah R Howard

Title: Innovations by Deborah R. Howard

Introduction

Deborah R. Howard is a notable inventor based in Durham, NC (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in the detection and processing of mycobacteria. With a total of 2 patents, her work has advanced the methodologies used in clinical diagnostics.

Latest Patents

Her latest patents include innovative techniques for the detection of mycobacteria through multiplex nucleic acid amplification. This invention describes primers and methods for adapter-mediated multiplex amplification of the IS6110 insertion element of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) complex, as well as a 16S rDNA target common to essentially all mycobacteria. The multiplex Strand Displacement Amplification methods allow for the simultaneous identification of M. tuberculosis and screening for clinically relevant species of mycobacteria in a single amplification reaction. Additionally, she has developed a sample processing method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis that eliminates the need for harsh chemical treatments, relying instead on heat to achieve efficient lysis of mycobacteria.

Career Highlights

Deborah R. Howard is currently employed at Becton Dickinson and Company Limited, where she continues to innovate in the field of microbiological research. Her work has been instrumental in improving diagnostic techniques and enhancing the efficiency of sample processing methods.

Collaborations

Some of her notable coworkers include Margaret S. Dey and James A. Down, who have collaborated with her on various projects related to her patents.

Conclusion

Deborah R. Howard's contributions to the field of microbiology through her patents have significantly impacted the detection and processing of mycobacteria. Her innovative approaches continue to enhance clinical diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.