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Environmental sampling for spores of Bacillus anthracis
Eyasu H Teshale1, John Painter, Gregory A Burr
1Centers for Desease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. eht4@cdc.gov
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Extensive environmental sampling following an inhalational anthrax case identified Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) contamination in mail-sorting equipment. This suggests contaminated mail may have exposed the patient, highlighting the need for targeted sampling in future bioterrorism investigations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The 2001 anthrax attacks prompted investigations into potential sources of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) exposure.
- Initial sampling at the Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center after the bioterrorism events yielded negative results for B. anthracis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential source of B. anthracis in an inhalational anthrax case linked to Connecticut.
- To determine if the U.S. Postal Service facility was contaminated with B. anthracis.
Main Methods:
- Environmental sampling using dry swabs, wet swabs, wet wipes, and HEPA-filtered vacuum sock samples.
- Sampling was guided by epidemiologic data from an identified patient's carrier route.
- Analysis of 212 samples collected from the Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center.
Main Results:
- While initial sampling was negative, extensive sampling on November 28 identified B. anthracis in 6 out of 212 samples (3%).
- Contamination was found on a mail sorter and in mail-sorting bins associated with the patient's delivery route.
- B. anthracis was not detected in earlier sampling rounds.
Conclusions:
- Cross-contaminated mail is a potential source for B. anthracis transmission to the inhalational anthrax patient in Connecticut.
- Extensive, epidemiologically guided environmental sampling is crucial for effective investigations of bioterrorism events.
- The findings underscore the importance of thorough environmental assessments in public health emergencies.