Inactivation of Spores of Bacillus anthracis by γ-Radiation

Mucosal adjuvant activity of cholera toxin requires Th17 cells and protects against inhalation anthrax

“…The currently available anthrax vaccine uses alum as an adjuvant and depends on antibody to the anthrax protective antigen (PA) (12). Based on the sensitivity of anthrax spores to γ-irradiation (13,14) and our recent data highlighting the immunogenic properties of a γ-irradiated bacterial vaccine (15), we used irradiated anthrax spores to immunize A/J mice against a model of inhalation anthrax. Irradiated spore-vaccine preparations derived from bacteria that either contained or lacked the gene encoding PA protected against challenge with the toxin-producing Sterne strain (Fig.…”

Monte Carlo N-particle simulation of neutron-based sterilisation of anthrax contamination

“…If we assume that the spore's density is 1000 kg m 23 , which is the same as that of water, the radiation dose (Gy) absorbed by the anthrax spores as a result of neutron irradiation is D~D E mass |( 1Gy 6:24|10 12 MeV=kg )~1:6|10 {13 Gy ð3Þ c-ray irradiation was used in the 1960s and 1970s to disinfect anthrax-contaminated imported goat hair bales [8]. This study suggested that a dose of 1.5610 6 rad from a 200 000 rad h 21 cobalt source was sufficient to kill most resistant anthrax spores when mixed with goat hair, and 2.0610 6 rad was recommended to include a margin of safety.…”

“…For example, terrorists may bring anthrax into public areas by hiding anthrax spores in sealed metal containers or in large pieces of luggage. The c-ray irradiation is much more penetrating than electron beams, so c-ray irradiation can be used to sterilise anthrax spores that are hidden in sealed metal containers or large pieces of luggage [8]; however, an earlier theoretical study showed that the efficiency of sterilisation of anthrax spores by c-ray irradiation is not as good as that of neutron irradiation [14].…”

“…They can penetrate into sealed containers, killing both anthrax spores on surfaces and those hidden inside containers and luggage. Neutrons interact with the nuclei within the anthrax spores, and the materials around the anthrax spores can also create c-ray irradiation that is both lethal to anthrax spores [8] and penetrating. Neutrons have an advantage over other forms of radiation and other chemical procedures if deep penetration and sterilisation are required over a large area.…”

“…For the past 100 years, the treatments or agents commonly used to decontaminate anthrax spores have included heat, formaldehyde, hypochlorite solutions, chlorine dioxide [6,7] and radiation [8]. The technique to sterilise anthrax contamination through the use of heat is feasible in some situations [9,10]; however, it is not possible for post offices to steam all mail before delivery.…”