[Development of a multiplex PCR-suspension array for simultaneous detection of five bioterrorism bacteria].

OBJECTIVE

To develop a rapid, high-throughput screening method of gene suspension array technique to simultaneously detect five bioterrorism bacteria: Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Brucella spp. and Burkholderia pseudomallei.

METHODS

Highly validated specific primers were used to amplify diagnostic regions unique to each pathogen. Biotin labelled PCR products were hybridized to corresponding probes coupling on the unique sets of fluorescent beads. The hybridized beads were processed through the Bio-plex, which identified the presence of PCR products.

RESULTS

Multiplex PCR-suspension array can detect five bioterrorism bacteria correctly with high specificity and high sensitivity, the results suggest the utility of suspension array system for high-throughput screening of bioterrorism samples.

CONCLUSION

A multiplex PCR-suspension array for rapid detection of five bioterrorism bacteria was established.