An electrochemiluminescence assay for the detection of bio threat agents in selected food matrices and in the screening of Clostridium botulinum outbreak strains associated with type A botulism.

BACKGROUND Specific screening methods for complex food matrices are needed that enable unambiguous and sensitive detection of bio threat agents ( BTAs) such as Bacillus anthracis spores and microbial toxins (e.g. staphylococcal enterotoxin B ( SEB) and clostridial botulinum neurotoxins ( BoNTs)). The present study describes an image-based 96-well Meso Scale Discovery ( MSD) electrochemiluminescence ( ECL) assay for simultaneous detection of BTAs in dairy milk products. RESULTS The limit of detection of this ECL assay is 40 pg mL−1 for BoNT/A complex, 10 pg mL−1 for SEB and 40 000 CFU mL−1 for Bacillus anthracis spores in dairy milk products. The ECL assay was successfully applied to screen type A Clostridium botulinum outbreak strains. CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate that this ECL assay is very sensitive, rapid (<6 h) and multiplex in nature. The ECL assay has potential for use as an in vitro screening method for BTAs over other comparable immunoassays. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]