Lab Research

Basic and translational research on bioterrorism (BT) and emerging infections takes place in three distinct laboratories at the Center for Biological Defense: the USF CBD Applied Research Laboratory, the Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program and the Advanced Biosensors Laboratory.

USF CBD Applied Research Laboratory

Early recognition of biological agents indicative of a BT event or emerging infectious disease outbreak is essential to institute public health measures. Rapid identification and characterization (including molecular typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing) of biological agents form the basis for the applied research at the USF CBD. The USF CBD maintains a culture collection in excess of 1200 strains of potential BT and related agents, and assays being developed by the USF CBD employ the most advanced commercially available technology suitable for rapid screening of large numbers of clinical and environmental samples. Automated real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been developed in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health Tampa Branch Laboratory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molecular typing procedures to rapidly identify and speciate classic bioterrorism pathogens, foodborne bacteria and emerging infectious disease agents have been developed.

Scientists at the USF CBD are active in various validation studies and the evaluation of new techniques and devices. Biological and chemical agent detection kits and technology including spectrophotometry and novel detectors have been evaluated by the USF CBD. Decontamination devices such as microbiocidal agents, electrofiltration systems, ionization technology and UV/HEPA filtration have all been assessed by USF CBD scientists.

Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program (GHIDR)

GHIDR is a collaborative effort between the USF CBD and the Department of Global Health at the College of Public Health. Research at the GHIDR focuses on virology and emerging and re-emerging infections. Current activities include the development of new molecular and immunological diagnostics, drug screening, and characterization of drug resistance for a variety of infectious diseases. Top international researchers have been recruited to work together targeting detection, prevention and treatment of emerging and re-emerging infections, including malaria, filariasis, and arboviruses (such as West Nile Virus). Together this team will continue the effort to develop biosensors, diagnostic protocols, therapeutic drugs and immune-stimulators and vaccines.

Advanced Biosensors Laboratory

The Advanced Biosensors Laboratory (ABL) develops innovative biosensor assays utilizing antibodies, receptor molecules, ligands, and other capture molecules for near real time detection of biothreat agents and other pathogens/toxins in food, water, air and clinical specimens. Biosensor assays developed by the ABL are optimized for reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity, and tested on various biosensor platforms. The ABL also develops enrichment protocols and rapid processing methods for complex matrix samples such as ground beef, apple juice, produce, potable water, recreational water, human blood, and saliva, enabling such samples to be directly tested by biosensor assays for target analytes.