title: Fast and sensitive detection of Bacillus anthracis spores by immunoassay.
abstract: Bacillus anthracis is one of the most dangerous potential biological weapons, and it is essential to develop a rapid and simple method to detect B. anthracis spores in environmental samples. The immunoassay is a rapid and easy-to-use method for the detection of B. anthracis by means of antibodies directed against surface spore antigens. With this objective in view, we have produced a panel of monoclonal antibodies against B. anthracis and developed colorimetric and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassays. Using Meso Scale Discovery ECL technology, which is based on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection utilizing a sulfo-Tag label that emits light upon electrochemical stimulation (using a dedicated ECL plate reader, an electrical current is placed across the microplate with electrodes integrated into the bottom of the plate, resulting in a series of electrically induced reactions leading to a luminescent signal), a detection limit ranging between 0.3 × 10(3) and 10(3) CFU/ml (i.e., 30 to 100 spores per test), depending on the B. anthracis strain assayed, was achieved. In complex matrices (5 mg/ml of soil or simulated powder), the detection level (without any sample purification or concentration) was never altered more than 3-fold compared with the results obtained in phosphate-buffered saline.
authors: CEA Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, CEA/Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France. nathalie.morel@cea.fr
authors: Nathalie
authors: N
authors: Morel
authors: Hervé
authors: H
authors: Volland
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Dano
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Lamourette
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Sylvestre
authors: Michèle
authors: M
authors: Mock
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Créminon
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal