CogenDx Launches New Test to Help Clinicians Rapidly Determine Course of Therapy for Patients with Suspected Wound Infections

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CogenDx, the genetics brand of Millennium Health, LLC, announced today the launch of its newest test offering, DxWound. The test uses DNA-based technology to provide accurate, sensitive detection of an array of microbes, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, plus antibiotic resistance genes. Results from the tests equip clinicians to rapidly and accurately identify potential pathogens causing infections and select antibiotics with greater likelihood for efficacy.

DxWound utilizes a simple swab to collect microbial DNA directly from the infection site and leverages a special transport buffer that preserves the wound microbiome during specimen transit. Test results are typically delivered the next business day from specimen receipt at the laboratory.

"Wound care is a critical part of a patient's recovery, especially in the early stages of healing where the process may be complex and fragile," said Jennifer Strickland, chief executive officer, Millennium Health. "DxWound is the next iteration in our suite of genomic solutions that can improve the way clinicians prescribe antibiotic treatments for patients with suspected wound infections. Our goal is to fulfill a crucial need in health care and offer tools that help health care providers make rapid, targeted, effective therapy decisions for their patients."

The DxWound test menu includes detection of microbes most frequently associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) and genes associated with resistance to a wide range of commonly used antibiotics and antibiotic classes. Also assessed are antibiotic resistant pathogens listed as public health threats in the United States by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

MRSA is considered a serious threat by the CDC and has been tied to increased hospital length of stay, increased healthcare costs and is an independent risk factor for mortality^1,2.

Multiple agencies have issued a call to action in recent years urging development of newer diagnostic tests such as DxWound to help address the global crisis of antibiotic resistance and overuse^{3, 4, 5, 6}. Molecular diagnostic solutions like DxWound provide information that is potentially more accurate and available much sooner than current methods, allowing clinicians to quickly select an antibiotic therapy that is targeted and more likely to clear the infection. This can translate to improved health outcomes for patients and reduced costs of care, particularly when treated within 48 hours of suspected infection.

As part of a planned portfolio of clinical research, CogenDx currently has a study underway to evaluate the economic impacts of inappropriate antibiotic therapy in inpatients being treated for SSTIs. Additional prospective studies are planned to help further evaluate improved outcomes with use of DxWound in high risk populations.

About CogenDx
CogenDx, the genetics brand of Millennium Health, LLC, enables clinicians to personalize treatment decisions for patients using state-of-the-art molecular diagnostic technology. Our portfolio includes a proprietary DNA-based solution that helps clinicians rapidly determine course of therapy for patients with suspected wound infections. We also offer genetic testing that helps predict response to commonly prescribed medications and determine genetic risks underlying potential surgical complications. More information can be found at www.cogendx.com.

¹ Engemann JJ, Carmeli Y, Cosgrove SE, et al. Adverse clinical and economic outcomes attributable to methicillin resistance among patients with Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2003;36(5):592-598.

² Itani KMF, Merchant S, Lin S-J, Akhras K, Alandete JC, Hatoum HT. Outcomes and management costs in patients hospitalized for skin and skin-structure infections. Am J Infect Control. 2011;39(1):42-49

³ Antimicrobial Resistance Fact Sheet. WHO World Antibiotic Awareness. October 2015.]

⁴ US Dept of HHS CDC and  Prevention. Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, 2013. 

⁵ Stevens, DL et al. (2014) Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infec Dis, 59(2),10-52.

⁶ Carlet, J et al. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2012, 1:11. https://aricjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/2047-2994-1-11?site=aricjournal.biomedcentral.com accessed 8/2/2017.

SOURCE Millennium Health, LLC