Laboratory studies on surface sampling of Bacillus anthracis contamination: summary, gaps and recommendations

摘要: This article summarizes previous laboratory studies to characterize the performance of methods for collecting, storing/transporting, processing and analysing samples from surfaces contaminated by Bacillus anthracis or related surrogates. The focus is on plate culture count estimates surface contamination swab, wipe vacuum porous nonporous surfaces. Summaries their results were assessed identify gaps in information needed as inputs calculate key parameters critical risk management biothreat incidents. One parameter number make characterization clearance decisions with specified statistical confidence. Other include ability calculate, following incidents, (i) B. contamination, well bias uncertainties (ii) confidence decontaminated buildings. Gaps knowledge understanding identified during summary are discussed. Additional work quantify false-negative rates surface-sampling lower concentrations various effects characteristics of: aerosol vs liquid deposition spores, using surrogates instead anthracis, real-world conditions storage transportation conditions. Recommendations given future evaluations data existing possible new studies.