The Future of Biodetection Systems - Final Workshop Analysis: Los Alamos, 22 March 2007.
12 October 2006 - Updated 14 December 2006
Contact: Stephen M. Apatow, Director of
Research and Development, Humanitarian University
Consortium GraduateStudies
Center
for Medicine,
Veterinary
Medicine and Law. Email: s.m.apatow@pathobiologics.org
IDIN Communication: Biodefense Threat Analysis &
Communications Center
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.
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