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At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Detection of vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and Bacillus anthracis DNA by LightCycler polymerase chain reaction after autoclaving: implications for biosafety of bioterrorism agents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether autoclaving suspensions of vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Bacillus anthracis inactivate infectivity of these agents but allow detection of target DNA by LightCycler polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Swabs were inserted into tubes containing serial 10-fold dilutions (10(-1) to 10(-5); 500 microL; 6 samples per dilution) of vaccinia virus, HSV, VZV, or a single suspension of 10(8) colony-forming units of B anthracis (2 samples). One half of the samples were autoclaved, and the remainder were not. An aliquot of each not autoclaved sample served as a control for infectivity. RESULTS: Autoclaving swabs saturated with suspensions of vaccinia virus, HSV, or VZV eliminated the infectivity of these agents; however, DNA was detectable in most autoclaved samples in dilutions of 10(-1) to 10(-4) by LightCycler PCR. All not autoclaved specimens were detected by culture (infectivity) except for VZV and, in most dilutions of 10(-1) to 10(-3), by assay of target DNA by LightCycler PCR. Similarly positive results were obtained for PCR assessment of sporulated B anthracis. CONCLUSIONS: Standard autoclaving procedures eliminated the infectivity of viruses (and B anthracis), but target DNA was often retained for detection by LightCycler PCR. Current recommendations indicate that the laboratory diagnosis of smallpox virus infection be performed only within Biosafety Level 4 facilities. We suggest that, in addition to the requirement for immediate coordination with public health officials, the federal government consider expanding the existing guidelines for processing these specimens to encourage immediate collection, autoclaving, and testing by LightCycler PCR to differentiate smallpox virus from other dermal pathogens such as HSV and VZV by specific qualified laboratories.

Bacillus anthracis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bioterrorism.

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Anthrax↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bioterrorism: the need to be prepared.

Postal distribution of anthrax spores in October 2001 in the USA resulted in cases of pulmonary anthrax. In consequence, interest and concern about terrorist attacks on civilian populations using biological weapons have increased, particularly when one recent authoritative assessment suggested that an attack using some form of unconventional weapon on a Western city was 'inevitable'. This article reviews the steps necessary to minimise the probability of a successful attack. Despite best endeavours, the possibility remains that significant numbers of casualties will arise, emphasising the need to plan for reception, triage, decontamination and treatment of patients. The medical Royal Colleges could assist the education of the wider medical community about aspects of pathology hitherto considered to be primarily military but which have now become important for civilian physicians.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Extraordinary infections: a focus on bioterrorism.

The possibility of biological or chemical terrorist attacks presents a very real threat. Current preparedness efforts are ongoing at federal, state, and local levels. A National Pharmaceutical Stockpile containing antibiotics, antidotes, and other pharmaceutical supplies has been established and continues to be developed. To provide enhanced local response capabilities, Metropolitan Medical Response Systems are being formed. Pharmacists are needed by their communities to become involved with preparedness efforts.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMed2000

Bioterrorism.

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Anthrax↗