SiO/Si interferometers designed for on-site botulinum neurotoxin serotypes B and C quantification and biological activity assessment.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT), the agent causing botulism, exhibit the highest potency among bacterial toxins and pose a significant threat to both humans and animals. The current in vivo method (mouse lethality assay, MLA) is inappropriate for real-time and pen-side assessment of the occurring outbreak or case. Herein, we describe a reflective-based biosensor capable of detecting the toxin's type and activity state by competitive immunoassay and endopeptidase activity, respectively.

Infant Botulism, Israel, 2007-2021.

Infant botulism (IB) is an intestinal toxemia that manifests as descending paralysis, constipation, and, in some cases, respiratory failure. Laboratory-confirmed IB cases are rare, and recent data in Israel are lacking. We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study of laboratory-confirmed IB cases reported in Israel during 2007-2021.

Botulinum Neurotoxin C Dual Detection through Immunological Recognition and Endopeptidase Activity Using Porous Silicon Interferometers.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known in nature produced by strains, which can cause life-threatening diseases in both humans and animals. The latter is of serious environmental and economic concern, resulting in high mortality, production losses, and rejection of contaminated animal feed. The available mouse assay is inadequate for real-time and on-site assessment of outbreaks.

Mycobacterium gordonae infecting redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus.

The redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) is one of the most commonly exploited freshwater crayfish species worldwide. Redclaw crayfish are susceptible to a number of pathogens but none have been linked to widespread epizootics. Mycobacterial infections have been sporadically reported in crayfish.