16S/23S Ribosomal RNA Spacer Region as a Target for DNA Probes to IdentifyPotential Biological Warfare Threats

摘要

The objective of this research program is the development of sensitive andspecific PCR based detection assays for potential biological warfare agents. The regions targeted for DNA probe development are high copy number RNA species, including the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and intergenic (spacer) region between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes. During the first year of this project, PCR based DNA probe assays were developed for all isolates of Clostridium perfringens and also specifically for alpha and epsilon toxin-producing strains of C.perfringens. DNA probe assays were also developed for other toxigenic strains and species of the genus Clostridium.