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For immediate release
June 16, 2006
DCLS scientists develop new pathogen
identification technique
Richmond, Va. – Tim Croley, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the Virginia Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), presented their research during the American Society for Mass Spectrometry’s annual conference on a new technique for identifying dangerous pathogens that potentially could infect the nation’s food supply.
“Our research focuses on developing strategies to enhance the laboratory’s ability to respond to an attack on the food supply,” Croley commented during the event, which was held this month in Seattle, Wash. “The ability to rapidly detect and identify foodborne pathogens would greatly enhance our response and aid in the timely treatment of individuals exposed.”
Foodborne pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious gastrointestinal diseases each year, costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity. New foodborne pathogens and diseases emerge from factors such as pathogen evolution, changes in agricultural and food manufacturing practices and changes to the human host status. In addition, there is a growing national concern that terrorists may use pathogens to contaminate food and water supplies in attempts to incapacitate thousands of people and disrupt economic growth.
Traditional methods for identification and strain characterization of foodborne pathogens require polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). This process is labor intensive and time consuming, with results taking anywhere from hours to days. By utilizing the mass spectrometry technique, a tool traditionally utilized in chemistry laboratories, and artificial neural networks (ANNs), scientists can potentially reduce the identification process to minutes.
According to Croley, data collected from mass spectra alone can help scientists quickly understand what type of agent they are working with and focus their efforts more efficiently and effectively. The results can further be evaluated by ANNs, which can provide more comprehensive data for characterization and identification.
Though strict correlation analysis of bacterial spectra is not possible due to inconsistencies in mass spectra results, ANNs have an advantage in that they can compare nonlinear data and accurately match spectra. Therefore, ANNs, containing a database of known pathogens, could potentially produce a “cold hit” identification when used with mass spectra results.
“We are currently in the process of developing an artificial neural network predictive model,” commented Croley. “A comprehensive ANN would give us a powerful tool to rapidly respond to a critical foodborne pathogen situation.”
About DCLS:
A division of the Virginia Department of General Services and located at the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park, DCLS provides analytical testing services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and other states as requested through state and federal agencies. Laboratory staff conducts more than 3 million scientific tests each year on air, water, food, gasoline, animal feeds, fertilizers and other substances to help ensure a safe and healthy environment for Virginians and others. DCLS also tests blood samples from all infants born in Virginia as part of the state’s newborn screening program. Formed in 1972, when laboratories at several Virginia agencies combined to provide more efficient and cost-effective testing, DCLS was the first consolidated laboratory in the nation to offer a wide variety of scientific testing in support of state programs. Other DCLS services include examination of human specimens for disease control and providing laboratory inspection and certification services as required through the Safe Drinking Water Act and Food and Drug Administration. Testing capabilities have expanded in recent years. DCLS now performs selected testing for the states of West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. In addition to routine testing, DCLS may be called on to respond to various health and environmental emergencies in Virginia.
Contact:
Nicky Colomb
Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Phone: (804) 828-6884
E-mail: ncolomb@vabiotech.com
Web site: www.vabiotech.com
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