Myoung Gyu Kim

Mr. Myoung Gyu Kim


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 October 2024 in Biosensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMyoung Gyu Kim
Myoung Gyu Kim
SKSeulki Kim
Seulki Kim
JJJuHo Jang
JuHo Jang
JLJinkwan Lee
Jinkwan Lee
NKNamheon Kim
Namheon Kim
YSYong Shin
Yong Shin
Scrub typhus is caused by the Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, and this tick-borne disease is difficult to distinguish from other acute febrile illnesses as it typically presents with symptoms such as rash, crusting at the bite site, headache, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, and elevated liver transaminases. It can often be diagnosed clinically, but not all patients present with characteristic symptoms, so serological diagnosis and molecular techniques may be required. However, existing diagnostic tests often have low sensitivity and specificity, making early detection difficult. This study presents a nucleic acid extraction method using large volumes of plasma and buffy coat to increase sensitivity, as well as an improved detection method using two target genes. Using the I-PULL device, nucleic acids can be extracted from up to 4 mL of sample in 30 min, avoiding contamination. The extracted DNA detects two genes of O. tsutsugamushi, increasing sensitivity compared to single-gene detection. Clinical validation in 38 patient samples showed 100% specificity and 95.24% sensitivity for the single target gene, with specificity and sensitivity rising to 100% when both genes are analyzed. This molecular diagnostic platform can be useful for distinguishing scrub typhus from similar diseases.