Immunomagnetic-electrochemiluminescent detection of Bacillus anthracis spores in soil matrices

Abstract

Rapid (≤1.5-h) detection of anthrax spores in soil suspensions was accomplished by an immunomagnetic electrochemiluminescence method. Strain- dependent detection limits in the range of 102 to 105 spores were achieved in buffer. The rank order of sensitivity for the assay in buffer was Sterne > Ames > Vollum 1B. Detection was up to 3 orders of magnitude less sensitive in soil suspensions, and the rank order of sensitivity was altered.