Suitability of Commercial Transport Media for Biological Pathogens under Nonideal Conditions. (30th October 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hubbard, Kyle; Pellar, Gregory; Emanuel, Peter
• Other Names: Virji Mumtaz Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of microbiology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-10-30
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; Microbiology; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 579
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/463096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-918X

Abstract

Abstract : There is extensive data to support the use of commercial transport media as a stabilizer for known clinical samples; however, there is little information to support their use outside of controlled conditions specified by the manufacturer. Furthermore, there is no data to determine the suitability of said media for biological pathogens, specifically those of interest to the US military. This study evaluates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) transport media based on sample recovery, viability, and quality of nucleic acids and peptides for nonpathogenic strains of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, in addition to ricin toxin. Samples were stored in COTS, PBST, or no media at various temperatures over an extended test period. The results demonstrate that COTS media, although sufficient for the preservation of nucleic acid and proteinaceous material, are not capable of maintaining an accurate representation of biothreat agents at the time of collection.