Genetic diversity among Bacillus anthracis soil isolates at fine geographic scales.

Environmental samples were collected from carcass sites during and after anthrax outbreaks in 2000 and 2001 in the bison (Bison bison) population within Wood Buffalo National Park and the Hook Lake Region north of Wood Buffalo National Park. Bacillus anthracis spores were isolated from these samples and confirmed using phenotypic characterization and real-time PCR. Confirmed B.

Divergence among genes encoding the elongation factor Tu of Yersinia Species.

Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), encoded by tuf genes, carries aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Duplicated tuf genes (tufA and tufB), which are commonly found in enterobacterial species, usually coevolve via gene conversion and are very similar to one another. However, sequence analysis of tuf genes in our laboratory has revealed highly divergent copies in 72 strains spanning the genus Yersinia (representing 12 Yersinia species).

Genomic DNA detection using cycling probe technology and capillary gel electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence.

Cycling probe technology (CPT) is an isothermal DNA analysis method that has been shown to be useful for identifying genetic markers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings. CPT assays have previously employed several assay methods that include polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and magnetic beads for separations and radioisotopic and colorimetric detection for detection. Capillary gel electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF) is an alternative separation and detection method that offers attributes such as low sample consumption, short analysis times, no radiation hazards and potential for high throughput.

Integrated microfluidic electrophoresis system for analysis of genetic materials using signal amplification methods.

An isothermal signal amplification technique for specific DNA sequences, known as cycling probe technology (CPT), was performed within a microfluidic chip. The presence of DNA from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was determined by signal amplification of a specific DNA sequence. The microfluidic device consisted of four channels intersecting to mix the sample and reagents within 55 s, as they were directed toward the reactor coil by electrokinetic pumping.