Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #171948
Title: APPROACHES TO DETECTING THREAT AGENTS IN THE WATER SUPPLY

Author
item HIGGINS, JAMES

Submitted to: Detection Technologies
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2004
Publication Date: 12/2/2004
Citation: Higgins, J.A. 2004. Approaches to detecting threat agents in the water supply. 6th International Symposium Detection Technologies, Arlington, VA, 12/04/05. p. 32.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Potable water supplies may represent a potential target for a bioterror attack using spores of the bacterium B. anthracis. Accordingly, we have developed a method, using successive filtrations, culture, and PCR, to detect spores of B. anthracis in tap water. The protocol is capable of detecting as few as 100 spores in 10 L water, and can be implemented using reagents and equipment found in most water quality testing laboratories