A simple and sensitive detection system for Bacillus anthracis in meat andtissue

Aims: To detect and isolate Bacillus anthracis from meat and tissue by rapi d and simple procedures. Methods and Results: Bacillus anthracis Pasteur II cells were added to I ly mph node and pig meat, which were then cut into small pieces and suspended in PBS. Aliquots were spread on Bacillus cereus selective agar (BCA) plates to isolate B. anthracis cells, and incubated in trypticase soy broth. The enrichment culture was used for nested PCR with B. anthracis specific prime rs, which were to confirm the presence of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA and the pXO1/pXO2 plasmids. Conclusions: One cell of B. anthracis was detected by nested PCR from I g o f the samples, and was also isolated on BCA plates according to colony morp hology within two days. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results could be useful for det ecting animals with latent anthrax, and meat contaminated with B. anthracis , rapidly and simply.