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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
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Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres
Published on: October 23, 2011
Simultaneous pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance characterization using SNP-based multiplexed
Jian Song1, Po-E Li, Jason Gans
1Biosecurity and Public Health (B-7), Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA. jian@lanl.gov
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 25, 2010
Summary
Rapid multiplexed assays detect antibiotic resistance in key pathogens like Bacillus anthracis. This Multiplexed Oligonucleotide Ligation-PCR (MOL-PCR) method aids public health and national security by identifying ciprofloxacin and doxycycline resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat, impacting public health and national security.
- Biothreat pathogens like Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Francisella tularensis are increasingly developing resistance.
- Rapid detection methods are crucial for effective response and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop rapid, simultaneous assays for detecting specific biothreat pathogens.
- To characterize antibiotic resistance, specifically to ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, in these pathogens.
- To present the assay chemistry and probe design process for Multiplexed Oligonucleotide Ligation-PCR (MOL-PCR).
Main Methods:
- Development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based Multiplexed Oligonucleotide Ligation-PCR (MOL-PCR) assays.
- Design and experimental validation of MOLigo probes, individually and in multiplexed reactions.
- Creation of a web-based tool, MOLigoDesigner, to aid probe design.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed and validated multiplexed MOL-PCR assays.
- Identified minimal sets of MOLigo probes for simultaneous pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance profiling.
- Demonstrated the capability to characterize ciprofloxacin and doxycycline resistance.
Conclusions:
- Multiplexed MOL-PCR assays offer a rapid and effective method for simultaneous pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance characterization.
- The developed assays and tools can significantly contribute to public health surveillance and national security.
- This approach is vital for monitoring and combating the spread of antibiotic resistance in critical pathogens.
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