Multiplex Detection of Bioterrorism Agents Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa Viruses Using a Nanomicroarray Assay

A large-scale Ebola viral disease outbreak was identified in Western Africa in early 2014 and the virus has been prevalent in the region since then, resulting in many reported cases and deaths. Global travel, migration, emergence of new infectious agents and their variants increase risks of bioterrorism and pose serious threats to national security and public health. Assays for simultaneous detection of multiple potential bioterrorism agents are of great value, but their current availability is limited. In this study, we report the development of a rapid and specific gold nanoparticle (NP)-based genomic microarray assay (nanomicroarray) for the detection and screening of Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa viruses. Specific capture and intermediate oligonucleotides for Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa viruses were designed and evaluated on the array platform with PCR products derived from these pathogens. The NP-based nanomicroarray assay can detect and distinguish Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa genome sequences in a single assay by displaying different unique patterns on the same platform. The new method described here may be useful for the monitoring of threats from emerging pathogens including new bioterrorism agents and serve as part of emergency preparedness and response to public health.