Abstract
Recent interest in anthrax is due to its potential use in bioterrorism and as a biowarfare agent against civilian populations. The development of rapid and sensitive techniques to detect anthrax spores in suspicious specimens is the most important aim for public health. With a view to preventing exposure of laboratory workers to viable Bacillus anthracis spores, this study evaluated the suitability of PCR assays for detecting anthrax spores previously inactivated at 121°C for 45 min. The results indicate that heat treatment ensures the complete inactivation of B. anthracis spores without significantly affecting the efficiency of PCR assays.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 896-899 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Clinical Microbiology |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 1 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Microbiology (medical)