Evaluation of the Cepheid GeneXpert system for detecting Bacillus anthracis

Journal of Applied Microbiology
M P UlrichD A Norwood

Abstract

The Cepheid GeneXpert is a four-site, automated sample preparation and real-time PCR detection system. In this study, the capability of the GeneXpert to isolate and detect nucleic acid from Bacillus anthracis Ames spores was assessed. A four-plex, dried-down bead cartridge containing PCR reagents specific for the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids as well as sample processing and inhibition controls was evaluated. For B. anthracis Ames spores harbouring pXO1 and pXO2, samples containing 68 CFU per ml (148 spores per ml) were positive in all four replicates. A limited cross-reactivity panel, which included closely related Bacillus species, was also tested to determine the specificity of the pXO1 and pXO2 assays. No cross-reactivity occurred. Further, B. anthracis Sterne spore samples were analysed to compare results when processed using the GeneXpert to those run directly on the Cepheid SmartCycler without sample processing. The GeneXpert detection capability was three logs lower than the SmartCycler indicating the benefit of incorporating a nucleic acid extraction procedure. This study demonstrates that the GeneXpert is a rapid and reliable system for simultaneously detecting the B. anthracis virulence plasmids pXO1 and pXO2. The GeneXpert...Continue Reading

References

Nov 5, 1997·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·I G Wilson
Jul 2, 1998·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·C R KuskeP J Jackson
May 8, 1999·Science·P BelgraderF Milanovich
Aug 17, 2000·Biosensors & Bioelectronics·P BelgraderM A Northrup
Aug 9, 2003·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·Julia H KneppAlexandra Valsamakis
Jan 18, 2005·Molecular and Cellular Probes·Laurie J HartmanDavid A Norwood

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 4, 2009·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Amanda B HerzogSyed A Hashsham
May 6, 2011·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·Peter E VandeventerAngelika Niemz
Nov 26, 2010·Investigative Genetics·David L GreenbergDavid M Wagner
Dec 14, 2016·Analytical Chemistry·Samiksha NayakSamuel K Sia
Jul 11, 2007·Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics·Mark G DobsonDavid E Barton
Jul 28, 2017·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·Padmapriya P BanadaDavid Alland

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anthrax Vaccines (ASM)

Three different types of anthrax vaccines are available; a live-attenuated, an alum-precipitated cell-free filtrate and a protein recombinant vaccine. The effectiveness between the three is uncertain, but the live-attenuated have shown to reduce the risk of anthrax with low adverse events. Here is the latest research on anthrax vaccines.

Anthrax

Anthrax toxin, comprising protective antigen, lethal factor, and oedema factor, is the major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis, an agent that causes high mortality in humans and animals. Here is the latest research on Anthrax.

Anthrax Vaccines

Three different types of anthrax vaccines are available; a live-attenuated, an alum-precipitated cell-free filtrate and a protein recombinant vaccine. The effectiveness between the three is uncertain, but the live-attenuated have shown to reduce the risk of anthrax with low adverse events. Here is the latest research on anthrax vaccines.