Evaluation of Gamma-Radiation Inactivation of a Bioterrorism Agent, Bacillus anthracis Spores, on Different Materials
Indian Journal of Microbiology, cilt.58, sa.1, ss.76-80, 2018 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 58 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2018
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12088-017-0691-z
- Dergi Adı: Indian Journal of Microbiology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.76-80
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bacillus anthracis, Bioterrorism, Decontamination, Gamma radiation
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Decontamination of suspected packages, such as sealed envelopes, liquids and tools that are likely contaminated with biological agents is of great importance. In this study, we aimed to determine the gamma radiation dose required for the decontamination of paper, fabric and liquid materials without causing any damage to the structure of these materials. Each study group included 11 pieces of paper, fabric and sterile saline contaminated with 0.8 × 105 virulent Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) spores. These specimens were exposed to doses of 5.49, 11.58, 17.21, 21.75, 27 and 33.1 kilogray (kGy) of gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source. After irradiation of all the samples, a viability assessment of the B. anthracis spores was performed. It was found that full decontamination was achieved with 11.58 kGy on the paper samples and 17.21 kGy on the fabric and liquid samples. It was concluded that a dose of 20 kGy of gamma radiation may be recommended for the inactivation of B. anthracis for some surfaces when especially sensitive and valuable materials cannot be wet decontaminated were exposed. In addition, serologic and molecular assays of the suspected packets can be performed for forensic purposes without damaging existing evidence in a bioterror incident.