The Future of Biodetection Systems - Final Workshop
Analysis: The Future of Biodetection Systems Workshop was held
last year to bring together industry, academia, national labs, and
federal agency personnel in an interactive process, to develop a
roadmap for research and development investment in
biodetection. Sponsored by Los Alamos National
Laboratory, September 26 & 27 2006. -- Overview: BTACC Pathobiologics International.
Keynote: DNA-based Detection Technologies (Powerpoint):
Stephen M.Apatow, Humanitarian
University Consortium Graduate Studies Center
for Medicine,
---------------------------------------------
12 October 2006 - 3 April 2013
Stephen M. Apatow
Founder,
Director of Research & Development
Humanitarian
Resource Institute (UN:NGO:DESA)
Humanitarian University
Consortium Graduate Studies
Center
for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Law
Phone:
203-668-0282
Email:
s.m.apatow@humanitarian.net
Internet:
www.humanitarian.net
Pathobiologics
International
Internet:
www.pathobiologics.org
The Future of Biodetection Systems
- Final Workshop
Analysis
Dear Colleagues:
The recent workshop "Future of Biodetection Systems" (Agenda, Schedule, Presenters, Poster Presentations)
hosted by the International Technologies Program Office and Bioscience Division
of the Los Alamos
National Laboratory on September 26 and 27 in Sante Fe, New Mexico,
has provided a valuable platform for current discussions associated
with R&D initiatives in sampling technologies, DNA-based detection
technologies, transducers, spectroscopy based technologies and systems
integration. Speakers included:
DNA Based Detection Technologies:
Stephen M. Apatow,
Humanitarian University Consortium
Ligand Based Technologies:
Brian Kay, University of Illinois, Chicago
Transduction Systems:
Larry Sklar, University of New Mexico
Biodetection Sampling Systems:
Gary W. Long, Tetracore Inc.
Spectroscopy Systems:
Luis Garcia-Rubio, University of South Florida
Systems Integration:
David Cullin, ICX Technologies
During the presentation "DNA Based Detection Technologies," the focus was
molecular detection technologies that are currently in use to provide
actionable
public health and animal health information. Two key reference
papers included:
- Diagnostic System for Rapid and Sensitive Differential
Detection of Pathogens: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
platform identifies up to 22 respiratory
pathogens including respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza
virus,
SARS coronavirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, metapneumovirus, and
influenza
virus in a single Mass Tag PCR reaction. Emerging Infectious
Diseases, Vol. 11, No. 2, February 2005.
- Use
of Oligonucleotide Microarrays for Rapid Detection and Serotyping of
Acute Respiratory Disease-Associated Adenoviruses: Real-Time PCR combined with
microarray technology provides rapid detection
of adenoviruses (51 serotypes, six subgroups A to F) to aid in
controlling
viral transmission and adenovirus-associated respiratory disease within
military training facilities. Journal of Clinical Microbiology,
July 2004,
p. 3232-3239, Vol. 42, No. 7.
An immediate need was
presented for WHO/OIE approval of field validated molecular detection
technologies, that are utilized every day to protect U.S. soldiers and
NATO troops, from common pathogens, biological weapons agents and
foreign animal/zoonotic diseases, according to standard methodologies,
on uniform diseases with quality-controlled standardized reagents
(including multiplex tests and microarray).
Defense level field validation of molecular detection technologies
needs to be reviewed as a reference point for civilian
applications. Scenarios that limit the use of these technologies (such
as 11 year periods for U.S. FDA licensing), need to be addressed in
the light of current threats to international public health.
According to the Reuter's report "Swiss measures aim to protect flocks from bird flu"
(29 September 2006):
In Switzerland, for six months from October 15, free-range chickens
will be banned within one kilometre of 21 major lakes and rivers, where
wild birds infected with the H5N1 virus might stop to rest or drink, it
said. "Within these regions...free-range poultry will be banned as well
as poultry markets and exhibitions," the Swiss economy ministry said in
a statement.
In conjunction with the capacity for a new
human transmissible pandemic strain
to spread worldwide in a 24-48 hour period via air travel, this
year's migratory
bird spread of H5N1 includes concerns associated with Oseltamivir resistance
and low pathogenic strains that present a threat to humans (due to the
widespread
use of substandard vaccines on animal populations in numerous global
regions).
It is clear that our capacity to rapidly sequence pathogens such as
H5N1
or pandemic strains that originated from H5N1 (H1, H2, H3, H7, H9
subtypes)
and bioinformatics level comparative analysis via a functional
international
epidemiological surveillance and reporting system is crucial.
Humanitarian Resource Institute will disseminate the final report from
the Los Alamos Bioscience Division, upon it's completion.
News
& Information
|
