Please Sign In

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis is one of the most dangerous potential biological weapons, and it is essential to develop a rapid and simple method to detect B. anthracis spores in environmental samples. Immunoassay is a rapid and easy-to-use method for the detection of B. anthracis by means of antibodies directed against surface spore antigens. With this objective in view, we have produced a panel of monoclonal antibodies against B. anthracis and developed colorimetric and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassays. Using the Meso Scale Discovery ECL technology(1), a detection limit ranging between 0.3 x 10(3) and 10(3) cfu/mL (i.e. 30 to 100 spores per test) was achieved depending on the B. anthracis strain. In complex matrices (5 mg/mL of soil or simulated powder), detection level (without any sample purification or concentration) was never altered more than three-fold compared with the results obtained in phosphate-buffered saline.