Rapid Assay for Detection of Endotoxins Cross Reference to Related Application.
Abstract
Endotoxin is an extremely powerful stimulator of the immune system. The devastating effects of bacterial infections and septicemia are in large part due to endotoxin. Mortality rates, due to septicemia are high, 60% or more. The most effective treatment of endotoxin related problems is early detection in real time with high sensitivity. Additionally, endotoxin is a significant contaminant in food products and pharmaceutical products. Accurate determination of endotoxin concentration is required prior to product distribution. To satisfy the requirements of industrial production, endotoxin assays must be accurate, rapid and cost effective. Levin and Bang observed in the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) that blood coagulation was a consequence of gram-negative bacterial infections. See Levin, J., Bang, F.B., 19 THROMBOS. DIATH. HAEMORRH., 186-197 (1968), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes. When an extract of the horseshoe crab blood was prepared and tested, a gelation reaction was observed in the presence of endotoxin. Levin and Bang postulated that endotoxin mediated the gelation reaction of horseshoe crab blood. They further postulated that the gelation reaction was initiated enzymatically. The enzyme responsible for initiating the gelation reaction was identified as limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL). pg5. JMD
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADD017508
Entities
People
- Elizabeth A. James
- Francis S. Ligler
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy