Immuno capture PCR for rapid and sensitive identification of pathogenic Bacillus anthracis

Immuno capture PCR (IPCR) is a technique capable of detecting the pathogens with high specificity and sensitivity. Rapid and accurate detection of Bacillus anthracis was achieved using anti-EA1 antibodies to capture the cells and two primer sets targeting the virulence factors of the pathogen i.e., protective antigen (pag) and capsule (cap) in an IPCR format. Monoclonal antibodies specific to B. anthracis were generated against extractable antigen 1 protein and used as capture antibody onto 96 well polystyrene plates. Following the binding of the pathogen, the DNA extraction was carried out in the well itself and further processed for PCR assay. We compared IPCR described here with conventional duplex PCR using the same primers and sandwich ELISA using the monoclonal antibodies developed in the present study. IPCR was capable of detecting as few as 10 and 100 cfu ml⁻¹ of bacterial cells and spores, respectively. IPCR was found to be 2-3 logs more sensitive than conventional duplex PCR and the sandwich ELISA. The effect of other bacteria and any organic materials on IPCR was also analyzed and found that this method was robust with little change in the sensitivity in the presence of interfering agents. Moreover, we could demonstrate a simple process of microwave treatment for spore disruption which otherwise are resistant to chemical treatments. Also, the IPCR could clearly distinguish the pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of B. anthracis in the same assay. This can help in saving resources on unnecessary decontamination procedures during false alarms.