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Alternative fast analysis method for cellulose sponge surface sampling wipes with low concentrations of Bacillus
Ahmed Abdel-Hady1, M Worth Calfee2, Denise Aslett1
1Jacobs Technology, Inc., 600 William Northern Blvd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA.
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|November 20, 2018
Summary
A new "Fast Analysis" method significantly improves Bacillus anthracis spore recovery from environmental samples compared to the standard CDC method. This faster, less wasteful technique enhances post-bioterrorism decontamination verification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biodefense and biosecurity
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Environmental sampling is crucial for verifying decontamination after bioterrorism events.
- Current methods for processing Bacillus anthracis spore samples can be labor-intensive.
- Efficient detection of low-level spore contamination is essential for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a less labor-intensive method for processing cellulose sponge-wipes used in environmental sampling.
- To compare the efficacy of a novel 'Fast Analysis' method against the established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocol for Bacillus anthracis spore recovery.
- To assess the impact of the 'Fast Analysis' method on labor time and hazardous waste generation.
Main Methods:
- Glazed tile coupons were inoculated with known concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) spores (50, 500, 5000).
- Samples were collected using cellulose sponges following standard CDC sampling procedures.
- Sponges were processed using either the 'Fast Analysis' method or the standard 'CDC method', with recovery rates, labor time, and waste quantified by three analysts.
Main Results:
- The 'Fast Analysis' method yielded statistically significant higher mean percent recoveries of Btk spores across all tested concentrations compared to the 'CDC method'.
- Mean recoveries for the 'Fast Analysis' method were 54.2% (5000 spores), 64.2% (500 spores), and 45.2% (50 spores).
- Analysts using the 'Fast Analysis' method completed sample processing in less than half the time and generated half the amount of potentially hazardous waste.
Conclusions:
- The 'Fast Analysis' method offers a more efficient and effective approach for environmental sampling of Bacillus anthracis spores.
- This method reduces labor and waste, making post-decontamination verification more practical.
- The improved recovery rates suggest enhanced sensitivity for detecting low-level spore contamination.
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