In vitro-activated charcoal binding of staphylococcal enterotoxin B.
OBJECTIVE
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a CDC category B bioterror agent that may cause significant morbidity. We assessed the in vitro binding of SEB by activated charcoal (AC).


METHODS
Aqueous solutions of SEB at three concentrations (0.4, 2 and 10 mcg/mL) were combined in volume rations of 3:1, 6:1, and 12:1 with AC at three concentrations (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL) or left untreated as control samples. Subsequently, each sample was tested with a qualitative SEB immunoassay to detect the presence of SEB at concentrations of >12.5 ng/mL.


RESULTS
SEB was detectable in each untreated control solution. SEB was undetectable in the 2 mcg/mL and 0.4 mcg/mL solutions after treatment with AC in all quantities. SEB was detected in the 10 mcg/mL solution after combination with all three concentrations of AC. The difference in assay results between charcoal treated and untreated pairs was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
At ratios of 3:1 and above, SEB was adsorbed by AC when combined in the manner described in concentrations of 2 mcg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL. In a quantity of 10 mcg/mL complete charcoal binding of SEB did not occur with any ratio of AC used. These results support a role for AC in treating patients exposed to SEB or purifying liquids or gases containing SEB.
Hoffman
Robert J
RJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA. rjhoffman@pol.net
Hahn
In-Hei
IH
Shen
James M
JM
Protic
John
J
Nelson
Lewis S
LS
D023482:Bioterrorism; D002606:Charcoal / Q000737:chemistry*; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000737:chemistry*; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013997:Time Factors
D004768:Enterotoxins; D002606:Charcoal; C031818:enterotoxin B, staphylococcal