Rapid identification of harmful microorganisms under field conditions

Biological risks, compared to a few decades ago, have become more complex. Several factors are believed to have contributed to this. These include new achievements in life sciences and biotechnology, the increase and globalisation of the biotechnology industry, both of which have led to significantly more individuals having access to knowledge and microorganisms, as well as a large increase in international travel and global trade. Consequently, microorganisms are more accessible than ever and, in addition, the proliferation of technology has made it easier for non-state actors to enhance existing pathogens, e.g. antibiotic resistance, toxins, or engineer new pathogens allowing them to remain undetected by traditional detection methods. In most biodefence programmes, only high consequence agents have been targeted for preparedness, but currently they constitute just a part of all possible biothreats. From this, it can be concluded that it cannot be justified to continue developing assays only directed at single targets. Instead, we need more generic assays that can cover a larger part of the biological risk spectrum. Combined with this challenge of generic detection is the demand for rapid on-site detection. This report summarises techniques for microorganism identification that are currently available or under development, and that are also rapid (preferably within 60 min), broad (can detect many different organisms), and fieldable (can be carried and used outside laboratory environments).