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Detection of Biological Agents for the Prevention of Bioterrorism pp 83–97Cite as

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Bacillus anthracis: From Fingerprint Analysis of the Bacterium to Quantification of its Toxins in Clinical Samples

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Abstract

A range of mass spectrometry-based techniques have been used to identify, characterize and differentiate Bacillus anthracis, both in culture for forensic applications and for diagnosis during infection. This range of techniques could usefully be considered to exist as a continuum, based on the degrees of specificity involved. We show two examples here, a whole-organism fingerprinting method and a high-specificity assay for one unique protein, anthrax lethal factor.

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Acknowledgements

References in this article to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, or company do not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation by the US government or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of CDC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Adrian R. Woolfitt, Anne E. Boyer, Maribel Gallegos, Hercules Moura, James L. Pirkle & John R. Barr

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clitton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    Conrad P. Quinn, Alex R. Hoffmaster & Barun K. De

  3. University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Thomas R. Kozel

Authors
  1. Adrian R. Woolfitt
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  2. Anne E. Boyer
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  3. Conrad P. Quinn
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  4. Alex R. Hoffmaster
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  5. Thomas R. Kozel
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  6. Barun K. De
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  7. Maribel Gallegos
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  8. Hercules Moura
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  9. James L. Pirkle
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  10. John R. Barr
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John R. Barr .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Science Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John's, A1C 5X1, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

    Joseph Banoub

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Woolfitt, A.R. et al. (2011). Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Bacillus anthracis: From Fingerprint Analysis of the Bacterium to Quantification of its Toxins in Clinical Samples. In: Banoub, J. (eds) Detection of Biological Agents for the Prevention of Bioterrorism. NATO Science for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9815-3_6

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