List Labs Announces New Anthrax Lethal Factor Detection Method

CAMPBELL, Calif., Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the intentional release of anthrax spores leading to lethal inhalational anthrax in 2001, the need for rapid and sensitive detection of infection has been critical. Unfortunately, early symptoms of infection are similar to those of common illnesses. While the symptoms are not remarkable, the Bacillus anthracis bacteria enter the patient's blood stream and rapidly multiply. This expanding population of bacteria produces deadly proteins which will eventually overcome the patient. Classical techniques to detect and identify bacteria in blood take too long. We have devised a rapid method for detecting one of the proteins produced in the infection. This protein, anthrax lethal factor, is produced early in infection in a quantity sufficient for detection making it possible to rapidly determine that a patient is infected and to initiate therapy. A quick diagnosis is essential for successful treatment of the disease.

Anthrax is not only a bioterrorism threat. There are many areas in the world where anthrax is endemic. Efforts have been focused on surveillance in countries where livestock are infected. Contact between infected animals and humans leads to disease. A quick diagnosis depends on the availability of a rapid, sensitive and simple test.

This paper reports the design of a sensitive and specific test for anthrax infection. A reagent that specifically detects the presence of low amounts of lethal factor from anthrax infection is described. This study sets a new standard for a sensitive, simple, and specific method to detect anthrax infection.

List Labs is looking to partner with an organization that can take this biotechnology to the level of application in the field. Please contact Dr. Shine if you're interested in partnering.

About List Biological Labs, Inc.

Established since 1978, List Biological Labs, Inc. specializes in native toxins, recombinant proteins, bacteria, Biotherapeutics and GMP products. We develop assays, perform contract manufacturing and produce our own GMP LPS product.

List Labs produces C. difficile toxin A and toxin B, shiga toxins, cholera toxin, anthrax toxins (PA, LF, and EF), pertussis toxin, diphtheria toxin, CRM197, tetanus toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, botulinum toxins as well as several types of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or endotoxin for purchase by the research community.

Media Contact:
Dr. Nancy Shine
(408) 874-1305
[email protected] 

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SOURCE List Biological Laboratories, Inc.