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Improved methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores by the polymerase chain reaction
Author(s) -
Johns M.,
Harrington L.,
Titball R.W.,
Leslie D.L.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.1994.tb00856.x
Subject(s) - bacillus anthracis , spore , polymerase chain reaction , microbiology and biotechnology , lysis , germination , bacteria , biology , spore germination , bacillus (shape) , polymerase , dna , gene , botany , biochemistry , genetics
Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for the capsule and oedema factor genes of Bacillus anthracis were used to assess methods for detecting B. anthracis spores. Untreated spore preparations were found to contain significant amounts of extracellular template DNA which probably accounted for observed amplification from these preparations without spore lysis. Germination of spores with suitable media allowed the detection of less than 10 spores in a PCR test. Mechanical disruption of spores with glass or zirconia beads yielded similar results to germination but in a much shorter time. The techniques described should improve the detection by PCR of B. anthracis and other sporulating bacteria.