Biothreat Assay Offers Rapid Detection of Dangerous Microorganisms

An assay, designed to detect and distinguish 17 different biothreat pathogens, enables rapid and accurate detection of potentially dangerous microorganisms that could pose serious threats to human health.

The PLEX-ID Biothreat Assay permits analysis of direct specimens, such as blood, water, food, and air filter samples, and provides results in less than eight hours. The seventeen bioagents targeted in the new test, include Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Ebolavirus, and avian influenza viruses. PLEX-ID offers the unique capability to detect and identify these, and other, bacterial and viral biothreat agents while also differentiating similar organisms.

A high-throughput technology introduced by Abbott (Abbott Park, IL, USA) PLEX-ID offers rapid and broad identification, detailed genotyping and characterization, and recognition of emerging organisms. The system employs a combination of molecular technologies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for gene amplification and mass spectrometry analysis to characterize known and unknown organisms rapidly.

The assay, in addition to identifying a broad range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, also provides information about drug resistance, virulence, and strain type. Anticipated public health and biodefense applications include epidemiologic research and identification of emerging or previously unknown agents. In addition, the system is being used for forensic characterization of human samples.

At the American Society for Microbiology Conference on Biodefense and Emerging Diseases held in Washington DC (USA) from February 6-9, 2011, Abbott and the Midwest Research Institute (Kansas City, MO, USA) reported that an independent evaluation of the PLEX-ID Biothreat assay showed that it provides highly sensitive and specific results for biothreat detection in environmental air sample analysis.

Related Links:
Abbott
Midwest Research Institute