PCR assay to detect Bacillus anthracis spores in heat-treated specimens.
Recent interest in anthrax is due to its potential use in bioterrorism and as a biowarfare agent against civilian populations. The development of rapid and sensitive techniques to detect anthrax spores in suspicious specimens is the most important aim for public health. With a view to preventing exposure of laboratory workers to viable Bacillus anthracis spores, this study evaluated the suitability of PCR assays for detecting anthrax spores previously inactivated at 121 degrees C for 45 min. The results indicate that heat treatment ensures the complete inactivation of B. anthracis spores without significantly affecting the efficiency of PCR assays.
Fasanella
A
A
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Rome, Italy. antoniofasanella@interfree.it
Losito
S
S
Adone
R
R
Ciuchini
F
F
Trotta
T
T
Altamura
S A
SA
Chiocco
D
D
Ippolito
G
G
D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification