Real-time PCR assay for detection of a new simulant for poxvirus biothreat agents.

ABSTRACT: Research and financial efforts spent on biodefense technologies highlight the current concern for biothreat event preparedness. Nonhazardous but relevant "simulant" microorganisms are typically used to simplify technological developments, testing, and staff training. The bacteriophage MS2, a small RNA virus, is classically used as the reference simulant for biothreat viruses within the biodefense community. However, variola virus, considered a major threat, displays very different features (size, envelope, and double-stranded DNA genome). The size parameter is critical for aerosol sampling, detection, and protection/filtration technologies. Therefore, a panel of relevant simulants should be used to cover the diversity of biothreat agents. Thus, we investigated a new virus model, the Cydia

SUBMITTER: Garnier L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2655438 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature