[Bacteriological risks: detection and tracing].
Advances in molecular taxonomy of bacteria have generated many tools allowing identification of any bacteria, whether culturable or not. In addition to taxonomic identification, growing knowledge on pathogenicity mechanisms allows the detection of bacteria with given virulence genes. The problem is in asking the proper questions so that the most appropriate tools can be chosen. Some rapid identification tools (gene amplification, in situ hybridisation) require a starting hypothesis. Other tools (rrs gene amplification and sequencing) can be used without prior hypothesis, but take longer. To face the bioterrorist threat, particular attention should be given to laboratory and strain dispatch (within- and between-laboratory) organisation.
Grimont
Patrick A D
PA
Centre d'identification moléculaire des bactéries, unité de biodiversité des bactéries pathogènes émergentes et unité Inserm 389, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Docteur-Roux, 75724 Paris, France. pgrimont@pasteur.fr
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors