Broad recognition of ricin toxins prepared from a range ofRicinuscultivars using immunochromatographic tests

Abstract

This sensitive and rapid test may provide an early diagnosis to inform the administration of a ricin antitoxin currently in development at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in the United Kingdom.

Evaluation by ELISA of Ricin Concentration in Fluids and Tissues after Exposure to Aerosolised Ricin, and Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Test for Field Diagnosis

“…Using a mouse model of pulmonary intoxication by low doses of ricin, it was shown that nasal swabbing might only give positive results at an early time, and that lung lavage may be preferred between 4 …”

“…Therefore, strips were subsequently incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes after running. This drying stage was a development from the published procedure [4].…”

“…Vehicle only controls (phosphate buffered saline containing 0.05% v/v Tween20) were included in each batch of tests. Strips were run as described in a previous publication [4].…”

“…It is important that in the event of a suspected incident involving the release of aerosolized ricin, appropriate samples from possible victims are screened using a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool, to provide the trigger to treat with ricin antitoxin. In a previously reported study [4], we demonstrated that an ICT provided a rapid (within 1 hour) and sensitive (to at least 1 µg/L) indication of the presence of ricin prepared from seeds provided by 19 cultivars of Ricinus communis.…”

Determination of alkaloid compounds of Ricinus communis by using gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)

“…When assessing the numerous reports on intoxications with ricin, R. communis seeds or R. communis-containing feed and fertilizer, some general aspects have to be considered. The term ricin in any toxicological publication suggests a degree of homogeneity or a lack of variability that might be expected for pure chemicals (Despeyroux et al, 2000;Thullier and Griffiths, 2009).…”