Gene tests could scupper (knock the bottom out of) bioterrorists

New Scientist ^ | Mar 18, 2003 | Unk

[Diddley]

A new gene-based technology may soon allow exposure to mystery biological weapons to be identified in a few hours.

Experts say that if this early detection means treatment is highly effective, then the harm that can be caused by biological weapons would be substantially lessened, reducing their attractiveness to attackers.

A person's cells react almost immediately after exposure, according to US army scientists, and the combination of genes expressed is unique for each biological agent. So by examining gene expression, it is possible to rapidly identify the agent, as well as the level of exposure, and tailor treatment accordingly.

Marti Jett, at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland, and colleagues identified unique patterns of gene expression in primates and pigs following exposure to a range of bioterror agents. They believe a handheld test for humans could be developed within a year or two.

Jett told New Scientist that if victims of an anthrax attack, for example, were identified within 36 hours of low dose exposure they have a 100 per cent chance of survival, compared with only 50 per cent if diagnosis takes place after three days.

"It sounds rather wonderful," says John Oxford, a virologist at Queen Mary, University of London. If such a method of early detection was widely available, "it would knock the bottom out of bioterrorism - they would have to go back to the old Semtex", he says. . . . Handheld device Many of the activated genes are in the white blood cells, the first line of the body's immune defence. The most useful are genes that are not usually expressed in healthy individuals.

As few as 50 genes are indicative of each pathogen, says Jett, but for reliable identification a few thousand should be tested. The team used laboratory equipment that could analyse about 40,000 genes per sample. A commercial handheld device analysing 400 genes will be on the market within a year, Jett says, and companies are developing portable devices that can analyse far more.

[Diddley]

So by examining gene expression, it is possible to rapidly identify the agent, as well as the level of exposure, and tailor treatment accordingly.

Handheld test could be developed in 1 - 2 years..

[ctlpdad]

do you think they meant scuttle?

[Black Agnes]

Actually, our knowledge of what genes are turned by what pathogenic methods is getting fairly good. Good enough that sooner rather than later the terrorists could 'doctor' their pathogen with a $50 bought kit and nullify the tests. Just as it's possible to 'doctor' a pathogen to induce anti-biotic resistance now.

[WVNan]

Makes it sort of difficult to keep ahead in the game eh?

[G L Tirebiter]

Nope - scupper's the word. Virtual synonym with nautical implications. 'UKism'

[Diddley]

do you think they meant scuttle?

I thought that at first. I looked up the word "scupper", and interpretted it as taking the bottom out.
But, I like "scuttle".