Anthrax scare turns spotlight on veterinary varsity lab.

By S. Shanker

CHENNAI, NOV. 17. The remote, non-descript Central Laboratory of the Veterinary University here has shot into prominence as an apex facility in the State equipped to analyse anthrax.

Primarily set up as a referral laboratory for animal- related diseases, the farmer-friendly centre has now become an authority on the bacterial disease.

Since October 18, over 25 anthrax-suspected envelopes and parcels have been screened, though none has tested positive. The Kalpakkam Atomic Power Plant forwarded the first anthrax- suspected sample to the Madhavaram laboratory.

Though some complaints may appear trivial, such as the one addressed to the former Chief Minister, they cannot be dismissed without adequate precautions, given the magnitude of the threat experienced abroad. The envelope to Ms. Jayalalithaa, intercepted by postal authorities, contained only loose sheets which did not warrant even laboratory checks. However, it did set off an alarm.

The sensitivity of the institutions which receive the `scare mail' too has turned the spotlight on the laboratory. The Coimbatore Air Force station and the Tambaram Air Force station, besides the Anna University hostel, are in the list of `recipients', which found a powdery substance in their mail bags.

Dr. V. Purushothaman, Professor and head of the laboratory, however, feels that undue attention is being accorded to the disease. ``For decades, probably centuries, we have been living with anthrax among animals'', he says pointing to a `pasted blood smear' which tested positive for the bacteria.

No additional precautions have been taken at the laboratory thus far, except the insistence by the scientists on the parcels being screened for explosives before submission. ``We insist on police certification that the samples were screened for explosives for our safety', says Dr. G. Rajavelu, Director, Centre for Animal Health Studies.

The laboratory is equipped for conducting virology, serology, pathology, bacteriology and parasitology tests. While tests on animal-related diseases referred by the farmers are done free of cost, export certification sought for by leather good merchants brings in revenue. Of Rs.1,19,150 recorded as annual income during 2000-2001, Rs.76,500 was from exporters.

Culture tests are done as a matter of routine. A scoop of any anthrax-suspected sample is put in PBS (Phosphate-buffered saline) and heated to 80 degrees Celsius for 15 to 20 minutes. It is cultured in `blood agar' containing relevant nutrients for about 48 hours. This is followed by biochemical, penicillin susceptibility and ascoli's thermo precipitation tests for confirmation.

Dr. Purushothaman insists that veterinary graduates learn to differentiate anthracoids from anthrax. Asked about the possible extent of concentration of the bacteria in mail, he points to the blood smear of a calf, sent for analysis from Coimbatore. ``It has millions of the organism. Anthrax is probably the heaviest among bacteria, weighing between 25 and 50 microns. In the urban environment only aero-slicing (air blast) can lead to its dispersal, he says.

To keep pace with recent advancements, the laboratory has also equipped itself to conduct the Polymerised Chain Reaction test, considered a more effective and sensitive check.

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