T Berg1, H Suddes, G Morrice, M Hornitzky. 1. Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, Australia.
Abstract
AIMS: To compare microscopy, culture and PCR for the diagnosis of anthrax in blood samples from sheep and cattle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood samples were stored at room temperature and at 37 degrees C after receipt, over a period of 15-17 days. Aliquots were plated onto blood agar and blood smears were prepared. Following microscopic examination, DNA was extracted from blood smears and subjected to a multiplex PCR assay targeting the Ba813, cap and lef markers. CONCLUSIONS: PCR provided the most reliable means for the detection of Bacillus anthracis in deteriorating blood samples (15-17 days) and was also successful in diagnosing anthrax in blood smears that had been stored for 6 years and a blood sample which had been stored for 18 months at -20 degrees C. While less successful than PCR, culture for B. anthracis on 7% sheep blood agar was typically more reliable (2-17 days) than the examination of blood smears (2-6 days) for encapsulated bacilli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work demonstrated the superiority of PCR for the diagnosis of anthrax from blood smear scrapings, particularly when microscopy is unreliable.
AIMS: To compare microscopy, culture and PCR for the diagnosis of anthrax in blood samples from sheep and cattle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood samples were stored at room temperature and at 37 degrees C after receipt, over a period of 15-17 days. Aliquots were plated onto blood agar and blood smears were prepared. Following microscopic examination, DNA was extracted from blood smears and subjected to a multiplex PCR assay targeting the Ba813, cap and lef markers. CONCLUSIONS: PCR provided the most reliable means for the detection of Bacillus anthracis in deteriorating blood samples (15-17 days) and was also successful in diagnosing anthrax in blood smears that had been stored for 6 years and a blood sample which had been stored for 18 months at -20 degrees C. While less successful than PCR, culture for B. anthracis on 7% sheep blood agar was typically more reliable (2-17 days) than the examination of blood smears (2-6 days) for encapsulated bacilli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work demonstrated the superiority of PCR for the diagnosis of anthrax from blood smear scrapings, particularly when microscopy is unreliable.
Authors: Olubunmi R Aminu; Tiziana Lembo; Ruth N Zadoks; Roman Biek; Suzanna Lewis; Ireen Kiwelu; Blandina T Mmbaga; Deogratius Mshanga; Gabriel Shirima; Matt Denwood; Taya L Forde Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2020-09-14
Authors: Katie Hampson; Tiziana Lembo; Paul Bessell; Harriet Auty; Craig Packer; Jo Halliday; Cari A Beesley; Robert Fyumagwa; Richard Hoare; Eblate Ernest; Christine Mentzel; Kristine L Metzger; Titus Mlengeya; Karen Stamey; Keith Roberts; Patricia P Wilkins; Sarah Cleaveland Journal: J Appl Ecol Date: 2011-06-10 Impact factor: 6.528