Amanda HerzogM.S. 2006-contd. CV |
Implications of Detection Limit of Various Methods for Bacillus anthracis in Computing Risk to Human HealthEffective quantitative risk assessment modeling requires descriptive statistics of the detection limit; furthermore, quantitative comparisons of various detection methods versus environmental matrices are vital for first responders. Environmental matrices pose challenges due to the variations in the detection limit for each method which result in fluctuations of the computed risk. Bacillus anthracis, a biological agent of concern, has proven to be highly stable and lethal and has been known for a long time for highly virulent strains with biological warfare and bioterrorism applications. A literature review of published journal articles related to B. anthracis was screened for detection methods. Approximately 100 of these articles were relevant to various detection approaches such as real-time PCR, PCR, biosensor, immunoassay, mass spectrometry, electrochemiluminiscence, etc. Instrument detection limits and the environmental matrix (air, fomite, soil, and water) for each method were extracted from the journal articles (through using web of science resource only full articles or abstracts were included). Considering the median detection limit, real-time PCR and PCR were the most rapid and sensitive methods for the detection of B. anthracis in the water matrix approximately 400 and 700 cells/mL respectively; compared to Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry which were approximately 1.0x 107 and 8.0x107 cells/mL respectively. Other matrices (air, soil and fomite) performed similarly. Future analysis calculating the environmental detection limit is achieved by investigating the method process and the efficiency of the process will effectively compute risk given specific scenarios. These results may assist in further quantitative risk assessment and improve response practices. |
