Development and comparison of two immunoassay formats for rapid detection of botulinum neurotoxin type A.

We have evaluated two formats of immunoassays for the rapid detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), in assay buffer and various matrices (human serum and nasal swabs, fresh milk, sugar, flour and talcum). The two formats, a vertical-flow strip immunochromatography (ICT) and a small disposable immunoaffinity column (IAC), were selected because they are both rapid and readily usable in the field without sophisticated equipment. We utilised the same critical reagents to develop and optimise both assays, making it possible to compare the corresponding technologies on the same toxin preparations, without interference due to the properties of the antibodies.

An immunochromatographic test for the diagnosis of ricin inhalational poisoning.

Introduction: Aerosolized ricin is a feared bioweapon for which no diagnostic protocol is currently available.

Methods: We obtained antibodies to develop an immunochromatographic test (ICT) that would be part of such a protocol.

Results: Our ICT, that can be read with the naked eye, has a sensitivity of 1 ng ricin/mL buffer, without enhancement, making it the most sensitive rapid test available for this toxin as far as we know.