Huo-Shu H Houng

Title: Huo-Shu H Houng: Innovator in Flavivirus Detection

Introduction

Huo-Shu H Houng is a notable inventor based in Burtonsville, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of molecular diagnostics, particularly in the detection of flaviviruses. With a total of 3 patents, his work has advanced the methodologies used in clinical diagnostics.

Latest Patents

One of Houng's latest patents is a "Flavivirus detection and quantification assay." This innovative assay utilizes fluorescent DNA probes that are specific to the conserved terminal 3′-noncoding region of the dengue virus. The assay is designed to formulate a dengue-specific fluorogenic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It discloses optimal assay conditions that allow for the detection of low levels of dengue virus from clinical specimens, ensuring zero background interference. The assay can universally detect and identify dengue virus isolates from various geographic regions. Importantly, it is specific for dengue 2 virus and does not recognize other related flaviviruses, including dengue serotypes, Japanese encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Additionally, the assay efficiently detects immunocomplexed dengue viruses and readily identifies viremia in sera collected from individuals suffering from dengue fever.

Another significant patent is a "Simple PCR technique for detecting and differentiating bacterial." This procedure is aimed at the detection and differentiation of Shigella from other pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates, such as EIEC and EPEC. The method employs serotype-specific primers derived from the rfc genes of different Shigella strains. This innovation allows for the identification of prominent Shigella serotypes, such as S. sonnei and S. flexneri, with over 95% of Shigellosis cases reported being identifiable by the described primers.

Career Highlights

Huo-Shu H Houng has worked with esteemed organizations, including the U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. His work in these institutions has contributed to advancements in medical research and diagnostics.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Houng has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Richard Lloyd Warren and Niranjan Kanesa-Thasan. These collaborations have further enriched his research and innovations in the field.

Conclusion

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