Chapter 20b Bioactivity detectors

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the need for methods to quickly detect biothreat agents that may be introduced as bacteria, spores, viruses, rickettsiae, or toxins such as the botulism toxin or ricin. Routine monitoring of food and water for the presence of pathogens, toxins, and spoilage-causing microbes is a major concern for public health departments and the food industry. In the case of disease-causing contamination, the identification of the organism is critical to trace its source. The Environmental Protection Agency monitors drinking water, ambient water, and wastewater for the presence of organisms such as nonpathogenic coliform bacteria that are indicators of pollution. Identification of a specific organism can aid in locating the source of the pollution by determining whether the organism is from humans, livestock, or wildlife. Pharmaceutical companies monitor water-for-injection for bacterial toxins called “pyrogens,” which are not removed by filter-sterilization methods. Immunology-based methods have been the most important technology for detection and identification of microbes, viruses, and toxins for many years. Many modern instruments for bioactivity detection are based on analysis of nucleic acids subsequent to multiplication of the amount of unknown DNA of interest by the polymerase chain reaction.