DNA Tests for Bioterrorism Threats

Field-ready DNA test kits for the rapid detection of anthrax, plague, tularemia, and botulism have been developed by Cepheid (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in collaboration with the US Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).

The new tests combine DNA sequences identified and validated by USAMRIID for bioterrorism-threat detection with Cepheid's proprietary reagent formulations and freeze-dry processing for prolonged stability and ease of use. Cepheid has delivered the test kits to USAMRIID. They will be made available to several other US government agencies for evaluation and validation on Cepheid's Smart Cycler line of laboratory and field-portable DNA detection systems. Unlike most DNA test kits, which degrade and become ineffective after a few hours without refrigeration, Cepheid's reagent formulations and processing produce tests that remain stable for many months at room temperature. Each kit contains all the chemicals and reagents required to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test pre-measured and freeze-dried in a single tube. Cepheid has also developed a platform called GeneXpert that will allow minimally skilled users to obtain PCR test results from a raw sample in 30 minutes, enabling time-critical DNA tests at the point of need.

"The formulations and manufacturing process we've established will be applied to a broad spectrum of applications beyond bio-threat detection, including agricultural, veterinary, environmental, and infectious-disease testing,” said Thomas Gutshall, CEO and chairman of Cepheid.




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