public health preparedness and response
Goodbye to Mice? APHL and CDC Host LRN
Botulinum Neurotoxin Detection Training
by Tyler Wolford, MS, senior specialist, Laboratory Response Network
LRN-B Training: More than
Mass Spec
The LRN-B also offers more
comprehensive methods courses, such
as those in LRN Rapid Methods and the
LRN Conventional Methods. The Rapid
Methods Course focuses on molecular
detection techniques and sample
processing, while the Conventional
Methods Course covers standard
microbiological detection techniques
such as culturing, microscopy, gram
staining and biochemical testing. The two
courses improve the skills of over 45 LRN
laboratorians each year.
Ongoing training will remain a priority for
the LRN-B as new assays and technologies
are developed to advance rapid detection
of biologic threats. n
Preparing samples for the Botulinum Neurotoxin EndoPep–Mass Spectrometry assay
Mass spectrometry has been used in
the Laboratory Response Network for
Chemical Threats Preparedness (LRN-C)
for many years. Recently, scientists have
been exploring the use of the technology
for detecting biological agents and
toxins. These include alternatives to
the resource-intensive mouse bioassay
which has long been the standard for the
detection of botulinum neurotoxin.
The US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), National Center for
Environmental Health (NCEH) and the
Laboratory Preparedness and Response
Branch, National Botulism and Enteric
Toxins Team have developed one such
test, the Botulinum Neurotoxin EndoPep–
Mass Spectrometry assay. The new test
uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/
ionization—time of flight (MALDI-TOF)
mass spectrometry to detect multiple
toxins produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum.
4
LAB MATTERS Spring 2018
Botulinum Training without Mice
In February 2018, APHL, in partnership
with the CDC Botulinum Neurotoxin
EndoPep–Mass Spectrometry assay
development team, hosted a training
on the new assay. It built on two 2016
APHL studies evaluating the safety
of mass spectrometry for testing of
biological select agents and the accuracy
of select agent libraries. These studies
have provided valuable information for
laboratories implementing the mass
spectrometry for this purpose.
The Laboratory Response Network for
Biological Threats Preparedness (LRN-B)
is comprised of over 130 local, state and
federal public health laboratories that
serve as reference laboratories, capable of
detecting a wide range of biological threat
agents. CDC supports these laboratories
with standardized reagents and assays,
a proficiency testing program, secure
communication and training in diverse
methodologies.
Photomicrograph of Clostridium botulinum stained
with Gentian violet. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fourteen laboratory scientists from
seven Laboratory Response Network
for Biological Threats Preparedness
(LRN-B) member laboratories attended
the workshop, which provided expert
guidance on Bruker Biotyper ® MALDI-TOF,
an overview of the related science and the
opportunity to set up and run the assay.
The scientists will gather data necessary
for submission of the assay to the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) for 510(k)
approval required for deployment of the
assay to other LRN-B laboratories.
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