Table 1. Samples from individuals without and with Bacillus anthracis infection analyzed for lethal factor by MS.
Archived non-anthrax samples from the Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch at CDC for cross validation which included: *Legionnaires’ Disease (n = 13), Chlamydophila pneumoniae (n = 9), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), influenza (n = 1), children from San Diego without vaccinations (n = 5), elderly individuals from Argentina (n = 5).
| Source (species) | Specimen Type | Background/Exposure | Number | LF Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Specificity | ||||
| Human | Serum | Normal/North American | 183 | 183 neg |
| Human | Plasma | Normal/North American | 160 | 160 neg |
| Human | Serum | Other Infections* | 40 | 40 neg |
| NZW Rabbits | Plasma | Pre-exposure (day 0) | 31 | 31 neg |
| Rhesus macaques | Serum/plasma | Pre-exposure day −30, −40 | 24 | 24 neg |
| Total Individuals | 438 | 438 | ||
| B. Sensitivity | ||||
| Human | Serum/Plasma | Inhalation | 3 | 3 pos |
| Human | Serum | Cutaneous | 18 | 18 pos |
| Human | Serum/Plasma | Gastrointestinal | 1 | 1 pos |
| Human | Serum/Plasma | Injection | 12 | 12 pos |
| NZW Rabbits | Plasma | Inhalation post-exposure | 29 | 29 pos |
| Rhesus macaques | Serum/plasma | Inhalation post-exposure | 24 | 24 pos |
| Total Individuals | 87 | 87 | ||
Neg = negative for LF or < LOD, pos = positive result for LF.