Field-Based PCR for Rapid Diagnosis of Cutaneous Anthrax in the Deployed Setting Using the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System

Abstract

Anthrax is occasionally encountered by U.S. military physicians in the deployed setting, where limited resources make it difficult to obtain laboratory confirmation. We present a case of cutaneous anthrax diagnosed using a ruggedized polymerase chain reaction device in austere combat conditions.

Beyond Blood Culture and Gram Stain Analysis: A Review of Molecular Techniques for the Early Detection of Bacteremia in Surgical Patients

“…Traditional PCR can evaluate if a patient is infected with a specific organism based on amplification with selected oligonucleotide primers of a single gene sequence [58]. Multiplex PCR uses a similar technology, but allows for multiple primer sets to be used within a single PCR reaction.…”

“…Similar methods to detect MRSA colonization have improved infection control [63]. In addition, this technology has been applied to the detection of specific bacterial species used in bioterrorism including Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, and Yersina pestis [58,64].…”