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Multiplex PCR microarray assay screens multiple bioterror pathogens in blood(Hematology Week) A multiplex PCR microarray assay screens multiple bioterror pathogens in the blood. According to a study from the United States, "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," said K. Tomioka and colleagues at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. "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," scientists reported. The authors continued, "Screening B. anthracis-infected mouse blood samples and uninfected controls demonstrated effectiveness and specificity in a preclinical application." "This study represents proof of the concept of microarray technology to screen simultaneously for multiple bioterror pathogens in blood samples," Tomioka concluded. Tomioka and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (A multiplex polymerase chain reaction microarray assay to detect bioterror pathogens in blood. J Mol Diagn, 2005;7(4):486-494). For additional information, contact R. Duncan, 1401 Rockville Pk, HFM310, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. The publisher of the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics can be contacted at: American Society Investigative Pathology, Inc., 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3993, USA. Keywords: Rockville, Maryland, United States, Bioterror Pathogen, Blood Screening, Multiplex PCR Microarray Assay, Diagnostic Test. This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2005, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com. |