Report for the NGFA-5 project, comprehensive evaluation of the current genomic technologies including genotyping, TaqMan PCR, multiple locus variable tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), microarray and high

The objective of this project is to provide DHS a comprehensive evaluation of the current genomic technologies including genotyping, TaqMan PCR, multiple locus variable tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), microarray and high-throughput DNA sequencing in the analysis of biothreat agents from complex environmental samples. To effectively compare the sensitivity and specificity of the different genomic technologies, we used SNP TaqMan PCR, MLVA, microarray and high-throughput illumine and 454 sequencing to test various strains from <em>B. anthracis</em>, <em>B. thuringiensis</em>, BioWatch aerosol filter extracts or soil samples that were spiked with <em>B. anthracis</em>, and samples that were previously collected during DHS and EPA environmental release exercises that were known to contain <em>B. thuringiensis</em> spores. The results of all the samples against the various assays are discussed in this report.. Authors: Jaing, Crystal [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; Jackson, Paul [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; Thissen, James [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; Wollard, Jessica [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]; Gardner, Shea [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)]. DOE Contract: W-7405-ENG-48; AC52-07NA27344. Subjects: 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; 60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES; AEROSOLS; BACILLUS; BACTERIAL SPORES; BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AGENTS; COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS; DNA SEQUENCING; EVALUATION; GENOTYPE; POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION; SAMPLING; SENSITIVITY; SOILS; SPECIFICITY; SPORES