Abstract: A methodology of microarray using the fluorescent DNA intercalating agent propidium monoazide (PMA) to selectively block DNA of dead cells from amplification and its application in detecting and enumerating viable microbes in complex microbial communities is described. A phylogenetic array is used in the preferred embodiment to enhance the sensitivity of the method. The PMA-Microarray assay is particularly applicable for monitoring samples from environments with extremely low microbial burden such as spacecraft surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discovery and isolation of a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus odysseyi isolate with high adherence and sterilization resistant properties. B. odysseyi is a round spore forming Bacillus species that produces an exosporium. This novel species has been characterized on the basis of phenotypic traits, 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization. According to the results of these analyses, this strain belongs to the genus Bacillus and the type strain is 34hs-1T (=ATCC PTA-4993T=NRRL B-30641T=NBRC 100172T). The GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence of strain 34hs-1T is AF526913.

Abstract: Spore-forming microbes recovered from spacecraft surfaces and assembly facilities were exposed to simulated martian UV irradiation. The effects of UVA (315-400 nm), UVA+B (280-400 nm), and full spectrum (200-400 nm) on the survival of microorganisms were studied at UV intensities expected to strike the surfaces of Mars. Microbial species isolated from several spacecraft surfaces such as Mars Odyssey, X-2000 [avionics], and the International Space Station and their assembly facilities were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Among 43 Bacillus spore lines screened, 19 isolates showed resistance to UVC irradiation after exposure to 1,000 J m?2 of UVC at 254 nm using a low-pressure mercury lamp. Spores of Bacillus species isolated from spacecraft-associated surfaces were more resistant than a standard dosimetric strain, B. subtilis 168.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discovery and isolation of a biologically pure culture of a Bacillus odysseyi isolate with high adherence and sterilization resistant properties. B. odysseyi is a round spore forming Bacillus species that produces an exosporium. This novel species has been characterized on the basis of phenotypic traits, 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization. According to the results of these analyses, this strain belongs to the genus Bacillus and the type strain is 34hs-1T (=ATCC PTA-4993T=NRRL B-30641T=NBRC 100172T). The GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence of strain 34hs-1T is AF526913.

Abstract: A method of detection is provided that permits differentiation of each of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus anthracis from other microorganisms, using oligonucleotide primers for amplification of the target nucleotide sequences characteristic to Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus anthracis, consisting of the oligonucleotide (A) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:1 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus cereus, the oligonucleotide (B) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:3 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus thuringiensis, and the oligonucleotide (C) having a nucleotide sequence obtained from SEQ ID NO:5 and containing at least one site that can amplify a nucleotide sequence characteristic to Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide is provided which has a nucleotide sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:1, characterized in that it contains at least one site capable of amplifying a nucleotide sequence characteristic of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The oligonucleotide may have a nucleotide sequence not derived from SEQ ID NO:3, or incapable of amplifying nucleotide sequences originating in Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi, and may be represented by SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6. A method of detecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a specimen is also provided which comprises preparing a primer set comprising two of the above oligonucleotides, selectively amplifying therewith a DNA gyrase subunit B gene sequence contained in the specimen as a target, and determining whether or not there is a gyrB unit specific for Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the specimen.