Detection of anthrax spores from the air by real-time PCR

Aims: To detect and isolate Bacillus anthracis from the air by a simple and rapid procedure. Methods and Results: One hundred litres of air were filtered through an air monitor device. After the membrane was suspended in PBS, spores of B. anth racis were added. The suspension was plated on Bacillus cereus selective ag ar (BCA) plates to detect B. anthracis colonies. The suspension was also he ated at 95 degreesC for 15 min and used for real-time PCR using a Light Cyc ler system and anthrax-specific primers. Conclusions: A single cell of B. anthracis was detected by real-time PCR wi thin I h and was also isolated on a BCA plate within two d. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results provide evidence that ant hrax spores from the atmosphere can be detected rapidly, suggesting that re al-time PCR and a Light Cycler provides a flexible and powerful tool to pre vent epidemics.