A multiplex polymerase chain reaction microarray assay to detect bioterror pathogens in blood.

ABSTRACT: Heightened concern about the dangers of bioterrorism requires that measures be developed to ensure the safety of the blood supply. Multiplex detection of such agents using a blood-screening DNA microarray is a sensitive and specific method to screen simultaneously for a number of suspected agents. We have developed and optimized a multiplex polymerase chain reaction microarray assay to screen blood for three potential bioterror bacterial pathogens and a human ribosomal RNA gene internal control. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was demonstrated to be 50 colony-forming units/ml for Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (surrogate for Yersinia pestis). The absence of any false-positives demonstrated high analytical specificity. Screening B. anthra

SUBMITTER: Tomioka K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1888491 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature