Last data update: Nov 11, 2024. (Total: 48109 publications since 2009)
Records 1-17 (of 17 Records) |
Query Trace: Kolton CB[original query] |
---|
Welder's Anthrax: A Tale of 2 Cases.
Hendricks K , Martines RB , Bielamowicz H , Boyer AE , Long S , Byers P , Stoddard RA , Taylor K , Kolton CB , Gallegos-Candela M , Roberts C , DeLeon-Carnes M , Salzer J , Dawson P , Brown D , Templeton-LeBouf L , Maves RC , Gulvik C , Lonsway D , Barr JR , Bower WA , Hoffmaster A . Clin Infect Dis 2022 75 S354-s363 Bacillus anthracis has traditionally been considered the etiologic agent of anthrax. However, anthrax-like illness has been documented in welders and other metal workers infected with Bacillus cereus group spp. harboring pXO1 virulence genes that produce anthrax toxins. We present 2 recent cases of severe pneumonia in welders with B. cereus group infections and discuss potential risk factors for infection and treatment options, including antitoxin. |
Strains Associated with Two 2020 Welder Anthrax Cases in the United States Belong to Separate Lineages within Bacillus cereus sensu lato.
Carroll LM , Marston CK , Kolton CB , Gulvik CA , Gee JE , Weiner ZP , Kovac J . Pathogens 2022 11 (8) Anthrax-causing members of Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) pose a serious threat to public health. While most anthrax-causing strains resemble B. anthracis phenotypically, rare cases of anthrax-like illness caused by strains resembling "B. cereus" have been reported. Here, whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize three B. cereus s.l. isolates associated with two 2020 welder anthrax cases in the United States, which resembled "B. cereus" phenotypically. Comparison of the three genomes sequenced here to all publicly available, high-quality B. cereus s.l. genomes (n = 2890 total genomes) demonstrated that genomes associated with each case effectively belonged to separate species at the conventional 95% average nucleotide identity prokaryotic species threshold. Two PubMLST sequence type 78 (ST78) genomes affiliated with a case in Louisiana were most closely related to B. tropicus and possessed genes encoding the Bps exopolysaccharide capsule, as well as hemolysin BL (Hbl) and cytotoxin K (CytK). Comparatively, a ST108 genome associated with a case in Texas was most closely related to B. anthracis; however, like other anthrax-causing strains most closely related to B. anthracis, this genome did not possess Bps-, Hbl-, or CytK-encoding genes. Overall, results presented here provide insights into the evolution of anthrax-causing B. cereus s.l. |
Outbreak of cutaneous anthrax associated with handling meat of dead cows in Southwestern Uganda, May 2018
Musewa A , Mirembe BB , Monje F , Birungi D , Nanziri C , Aceng FL , Kabwama SN , Kwesiga B , Ndumu DB , Nyakarahuka L , Buule J , Cossaboom CM , Lowe D , Kolton CB , Marston CK , Stoddard RA , Hoffmaster AR , Ario AR , Zhu BP . Trop Med Health 2022 50 (1) 52 BACKGROUND: Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Humans acquire cutaneous infection through contact with infected animals or animal products. On May 6, 2018, three cows suddenly died on a farm in Kiruhura District. Shortly afterwards, a sub-county chief in Kiruhura District received reports of humans with suspected cutaneous anthrax in the same district. The patients had reportedly participated in the butchery and consumption of meat from the dead cows. We investigated to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, identify exposures associated with illness, and suggest evidence-based control measures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among persons whose households received any of the cow meat. We defined a suspected human cutaneous anthrax case as new skin lesions (e.g., papule, vesicle, or eschar) in a resident of Kiruhura District from 1 to 26 May 2018. A confirmed case was a suspected case with a lesion testing positive for B. anthracis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We identified cases through medical record review at Engari Health Centre and active case finding in the community. RESULTS: Of the 95 persons in the cohort, 22 were case-patients (2 confirmed and 20 suspected, 0 fatal cases) and 73 were non-case household members. The epidemic curve indicated multiple point-source exposures starting on May 6, when the dead cows were butchered. Among households receiving cow meat, participating in slaughtering (RR = 5.3, 95% CI 3.2-8.3), skinning (RR = 4.7, 95% CI = 3.1-7.0), cleaning waste (RR = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.1-6.6), and carrying meat (RR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.2-7.1) increased the risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS: This cutaneous anthrax outbreak was caused by handling infected animal carcasses. We suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to strengthen surveillance for possible veterinary anthrax and ensure that communities do not consume carcasses of livestock that died suddenly. We also suggested that the Ministry of Health equip health facilities with first-line antibiotics for community members during outbreaks. |
Epidemiologic Investigation of Two Welder's Anthrax Cases Caused by Bacillus Cereus Group Bacteria: Occupational Link Established by Environmental Detection.
Dawson P , Salzer JS , Schrodt CA , Feldmann K , Kolton CB , Gee JE , Marston CK , Gulvik CA , Elrod MG , Villarma A , Traxler RM , Negrón ME , Hendricks KA , Moulton-Meissner H , Rose LJ , Byers P , Taylor K , Ware D , Balsamo GA , Sokol T , Barrett B , Payne E , Zaheer S , Jung GO , Long S , Quijano R , LeBouf L , O'Sullivan B , Swaney E , Antonini JM , Perio MA , Weiner Z , Bower WA , Hoffmaster AR . Pathogens 2022 11 (8) Abstract Bacillus cereus group bacteria containing the anthrax toxin genes can cause fatal anthrax pneumonia in welders. Two welder's anthrax cases identified in 2020 were investigated to determine the source of each patient's exposure. Environmental sampling was performed at locations where each patient had recent exposure to soil and dust. Samples were tested for the anthrax toxin genes by real-time PCR, and culture was performed on positive samples to identify whether any environmental isolates matched the patient's clinical isolate. A total of 185 environmental samples were collected in investigation A for patient A and 108 samples in investigation B for patient B. All samples from investigation B were real-time PCR-negative, but 14 (8%) samples from investigation A were positive, including 10 from patient A's worksite and 4 from his work-related clothing and gear. An isolate genetically matching the one recovered from patient A was successfully cultured from a worksite soil sample. All welder's anthrax cases should be investigated to determine the source of exposure, which may be linked to their worksite. Welding and metalworking employers should consider conducting a workplace hazard assessment and implementing controls to reduce the risk of occupationally associated illnesses including welder's anthrax. |
Rapid capsular antigen immunoassay for diagnosis of inhalational anthrax: Preclinical studies and evaluation in a nonhuman primate model
Gates-Hollingsworth MA , Kolton CB , Hoffmaster AR , Meister GT , Moore AE , Green HR , Pogoda JM , Pillai SP , Kozel TR . mBio 2022 13 (3) e0093122 Inhalational anthrax is a fatal infectious disease. Rapid and effective treatment is critically dependent on early and accurate diagnosis. Blood culture followed by identification and confirmation may take days to provide clinically relevant information. In contrast, immunoassay for a shed antigen, the capsular polypeptide gamma-d-polyglutamate (γDPGA), can provide rapid results at the point of care. In this study, a lateral flow immunoassay for γDPGA was evaluated in a robust nonhuman primate model of inhalational anthrax. The results showed that the time to a positive result with the rapid test using either serum or blood as a clinical specimen was similar to the time after infection when a blood culture became positive. In vitro testing showed that the test was equally sensitive with cultures of the three major clades of Bacillus anthracis. Cultures from other Bacillus spp. that are known to produce γDPGA also produced positive results. The test was negative with human sera from 200 normal subjects and 45 subjects with culture-confirmed nonanthrax bacterial or fungal sepsis. Taken together, the results showed that immunoassay for γDPGA is an effective surrogate for blood culture in a relevant cynomolgus monkey model of inhalational anthrax. The test would be a valuable aid in early diagnosis of anthrax, which is critical for rapid intervention and a positive outcome. Use of the test could facilitate triage of patients with signs and symptoms of anthrax in a mass-exposure incident and in low-resource settings where laboratory resources are not readily available. IMPORTANCE Patient outcome in anthrax is critically dependent on early diagnosis followed by effective treatment. We describe a rapid lateral flow immunoassay that detects capsular antigen of Bacillus anthracis that is shed into blood during infection. The test was evaluated in a robust cynomolgus monkey model of inhalational anthrax. Rapid detection of capsular antigen is an effective surrogate for the time-consuming and laboratory-intensive diagnosis by blood culture, direct fluorescent antibody staining, or other molecular testing. The test can be performed at the point of patient contact, is rapid and inexpensive, and can be used by individuals with minimal training. |
Case Report: A Fatal Case of Latent Melioidosis Activated by COVID-19.
Gulati U , Nanduri AC , Juneja P , Kaufman D , Elrod MG , Kolton CB , Gee JE , Garafalo K , Blaney DD . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022 106 (4) 1170-2 Melioidosis, endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, is an uncommon but frequently fatal opportunistic infection caused by the Gram-negative saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. We describe the first reported case of activation of latent melioidosis concurrent with COVID-19-associated lymphopenia and neutropenia in the setting of poorly controlled diabetes. A 43-year-old HIV-positive, diabetic man presented to the emergency department with persistent chills and progressive dyspnea. He was admitted for hypoxia. Chest X-ray showed bilateral parenchymal infiltrates suspicious for COVID-19. Shortly after admission, he became acutely encephalopathic, had a generalized seizure, and was transferred to the intensive care unit after intubation. Further workup showed severe neutropenia and lymphopenia. The patient received empiric antimicrobial coverage and was found to be severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive. He deteriorated rapidly with refractory shock and persistent hypoxemia, and died 40 hours after admission. Blood cultures and sputum cultures obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage returned positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Given confirmed compliance with antiretrovirals, stable CD4 counts, and no recent foreign travel, the patient likely contracted the B. pseudomallei infection from travel to Southeast Asia many years prior and only became symptomatic after succumbing to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. This case highlights the importance of considering activation of latent opportunistic infections by COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients. |
Human Melioidosis Caused by Novel Transmission of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Freshwater Home Aquarium, United States
Dawson P , Duwell MM , Elrod MG , Thompson RJ , Crum DA , Jacobs RM , Gee JE , Kolton CB , Liu L , Blaney DD , Thomas LG , Sockwell D , Weiner Z , Bower WA , Hoffmaster AR , Salzer JS . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (12) 3030-3035 Nearly all cases of melioidosis in the continental United States are related to international travel to areas to which Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacterium that causes melioidosis, is endemic. We report the diagnosis and clinical course of melioidosis in a patient from the United States who had no international travel history and the public health investigation to determine the source of exposure. We tested environmental samples collected from the patient's home for B. pseudomallei by PCR and culture. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on PCR-positive environmental samples, and results were compared with sequences from the patient's clinical specimen. Three PCR-positive environmental samples, all collected from a freshwater home aquarium that had contained imported tropical fish, were a genetic match to the clinical isolate from the patient. This finding suggests a novel route of exposure and a potential for importation of B. pseudomallei, a select agent, into the United States from disease-endemic areas. |
Notes from the Field: Fatal Anthrax Pneumonia in Welders and Other Metalworkers Caused by Bacillus cereus Group Bacteria Containing Anthrax Toxin Genes - U.S. Gulf Coast States, 1994-2020.
Dawson P , Schrodt CA , Feldmann K , Traxler RM , Gee JE , Kolton CB , Marston CK , Gulvik CA , Antonini JM , Negrón ME , McQuiston JR , Hendricks K , Weiner Z , Balsamo GA , Sokol T , Byers P , Taylor K , Zaheer S , Long S , O'Sullivan B , de Perio MA , Hoffmaster AR , Salzer JS , Bower WA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (41) 1453-1454 In 2020, CDC confirmed two cases of pneumonia (one fatal) in welders caused by rare Bacillus cereus group bacteria containing anthrax toxin genes typically associated with Bacillus anthracis. B. cereus group bacteria are gram-positive facultative anaerobes, often toxin-producing, that are ubiquitous in the environment and reside naturally in soil and dust (1). B. cereus can also be found in food, and although infection typically causes illnesses characterized by diarrhea or vomiting, B. cereus can have other clinical manifestations (e.g., pulmonary, ocular, or cutaneous). Among seven persons in the United States reported to be infected with B. cereus group bacteria containing anthrax toxin genes resulting in pneumonia since 1994, five patients died and two had critical illness with prolonged hospitalization and recovery (2–5). All persons with pneumonia were welders or other metalworkers who had worked in Louisiana or Texas (Table). In addition to the seven pneumonia cases, a cutaneous infection with B. cereus group bacteria containing anthrax toxin genes has been reported in a patient with an anthrax eschar in Florida.† |
Rapid nanopore whole-genome sequencing for anthrax emergency preparedness
McLaughlin HP , Bugrysheva JV , Conley AB , Gulvik CA , Cherney B , Kolton CB , Marston CK , Saile E , Swaney E , Lonsway D , Gargis AS , Kongphet-Tran T , Lascols C , Michel P , Villanueva J , Hoffmaster AR , Gee JE , Sue D . Emerg Infect Dis 2020 26 (2) 358-361 Human anthrax cases necessitate rapid response. We completed Bacillus anthracis nanopore whole-genome sequencing in our high-containment laboratory from a human anthrax isolate hours after receipt. The de novo assembled genome showed no evidence of known antimicrobial resistance genes or introduced plasmid(s). Same-day genomic characterization enhances public health emergency response. |
Differentiating New from Newly Detected: Melioidosis in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
Nolen LD , Lirow E , Gee JE , Elrod MG , Kolton CB , Liu L , Bower WA , Person MK , Marfel M , Blaney DD . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019 101 (2) 323-327 Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by exposure to water or soil that contains Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp). Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic to many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In 2013, the first case of melioidosis was recognized in Yap, the Federated States of Micronesia. Six additional cases were identified in the subsequent 3 years. An investigation was initiated to understand the epidemiology of melioidosis in Yap. Serum from family and community members of the identified cases were tested for antibodies to Bp. Archived serum from a 2007 Zika serosurvey were also tested for antibodies to Bp. Sequencing of bacterial isolates was performed to understand bacterial phylogeny. Soil and water were tested for the presence of Bp in the environment by culture and PCR. None of the affected patients had a history of travel to melioidosis-endemic countries. Two of the 34 (5.8%) samples from the field investigation and 67 (11.7%) of the historical samples demonstrated serologic evidence of prior Bp exposure. No Bp were detected from 30 soil or water samples. Genotype analysis showed highly related Bp isolates that were unique to Yap. Melioidosis is likely to be endemic to Yap; however, it has only recently been recognized by the clinical community in country. Further investigation is needed to understand the local sites that harbor Bp and represent the highest risk to the community. |
Anthrax epizootic in wildlife, Bwabwata National Park, Namibia, 2017
Cossaboom CM , Khaiseb S , Haufiku B , Katjiuanjo P , Kannyinga A , Mbai K , Shuro T , Hausiku J , Likando A , Shikesho R , Nyarko K , Miller LA , Agolory S , Vieira AR , Salzer JS , Bower WA , Campbell L , Kolton CB , Marston C , Gary J , Bollweg BC , Zaki SR , Hoffmaster A , Walke H . Emerg Infect Dis 2019 25 (5) 947-950 In late September 2017, Bwabwata National Park in Namibia experienced a sudden die-off of hippopotamuses and Cape buffalo. A multiorganizational response was initiated, involving several ministries within Namibia and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rapid interventions resulted in zero human or livestock cases associated with this epizootic. |
Detection of Bacillus anthracis in animal tissues using InBios Active Anthrax Detect Rapid Test lateral flow immunoassay
Kolton CB , Marston CK , Stoddard RA , Cossaboom C , Salzer JS , Kozel TR , Gates-Hollingsworth MA , Cleveland CA , Thompson AT , Dalton MF , Yabsley MJ , Hoffmaster AR . Lett Appl Microbiol 2019 68 (6) 480-484 The Active Anthrax Detect (AAD) Rapid Test lateral flow immunoassay is a point-of-care assay that was under investigational use for detecting Bacillus anthracis capsular polypeptide (polyglutamic acid) in human blood, serum, and plasma. Small sample volumes, rapid results, and no refrigeration required allow for easy use in either the field or laboratory. Although the test was developed for use in suspect cases of human inhalation anthrax, its features also make it a potentially powerful tool for testing suspect animal cases. We tested animal tissue samples that were confirmed or ruled out for B. anthracis. The AAD Rapid Tests were also deployed in the field, testing animal carcasses during an anthrax outbreak in hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) and Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Namibia. Evaluation of all samples showed a specificity of 82% and sensitivity of 98%. However, when the assay was used on specimens from only fresh carcasses (dead for less than 24 hours), the specificity increased to 96%. The AAD Rapid Test is a rapid and simple screening assay, but confirmatory testing needs to be done, especially when the age of the sample (days animal has been deceased) is unknown. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. |
Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequences for the Prediction of Penicillin Resistance and ß-Lactamase Activity in Bacillus anthracis .
Gargis AS , McLaughlin HP , Conley AB , Lascols C , Michel PA , Gee JE , Marston CK , Kolton CB , Rodriguez RLm , Hoffmaster AR , Weigel LM , Sue D . mSystems 2018 3 (6) Penicillin (PEN) is a low-cost option for anthrax treatment, but naturally occurring resistance has been reported. beta-Lactamase expression (bla1, bla2) in Bacillus anthracis is regulated by a sigma factor (SigP) and its cognate anti-sigma factor (RsiP). Mutations leading to truncation of RsiP were previously described as a basis for PEN resistance. Here, we analyze whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and compare the chromosomal sigP-bla1 regions from 374 B. anthracis strains to determine the frequency of mutations, identify mutations associated with PEN resistance, and evaluate the usefulness of WGS for predicting PEN resistance. Few (3.5%) strains contained at least 1 of 11 different mutations in sigP, rsiP, or bla1. Nine of these mutations have not been previously associated with PEN resistance. Four strains showed PEN resistance (PEN-R) by conventional broth microdilution, including 1 strain with a novel frameshift in rsiP. One strain that carries the same rsiP frameshift mutation as that found previously in a PEN-R strain showed a PEN-susceptible (PEN-S) phenotype and exhibited decreased bla1 and bla2 transcription. An unexpectedly small colony size, a reduced growth rate, and undetectable beta-lactamase activity levels (culture supernatant and cell lysate) were observed in this PEN-S strain. Sequence analysis revealed mutations in genes associated with growth defects that may contribute to this phenotype. While B. anthracis rsiP mutations cannot be exclusively used to predict resistance, four of the five strains with rsiP mutations were PEN-R. Therefore, the B. anthracis sigP-bla1 region is a useful locus for WGS-based PEN resistance prediction, but phenotypic testing remains essential. IMPORTANCE Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of B. anthracis is essential for the appropriate distribution of antimicrobial agents for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment of anthrax. Analysis of WGS data allows for the rapid detection of mutations in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in an isolate, but the presence of a mutation in an AMR gene does not always accurately predict resistance. As mutations in the anti-sigma factor RsiP have been previously associated with high-level penicillin resistance in a limited number of strains, we investigated WGS assemblies from 374 strains to determine the frequency of mutations and performed functional antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Of the five strains that contained mutations in rsiP, only four were PEN-R by functional antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We conclude that while sequence analysis of this region is useful for AMR prediction in B. anthracis, genetic analysis should not be used exclusively and phenotypic susceptibility testing remains essential. |
Genomic Characterization and Copy Number Variation of Bacillus anthracis Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 in a Historical Collection of 412 Strains.
Pena-Gonzalez A , Rodriguez RLm , Marston CK , Gee JE , Gulvik CA , Kolton CB , Saile E , Frace M , Hoffmaster AR , Konstantinidis KT . mSystems 2018 3 (4) Bacillus anthracis plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 carry the main virulence factors responsible for anthrax. However, the extent of copy number variation within the species and how the plasmids are related to pXO1/pXO2-like plasmids in other species of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group remain unclear. To gain new insights into these issues, we sequenced 412 B. anthracis strains representing the total phylogenetic and ecological diversity of the species. Our results revealed that B. anthracis genomes carried, on average, 3.86 and 2.29 copies of pXO1 and pXO2, respectively, and also revealed a positive linear correlation between the copy numbers of pXO1 and pXO2. No correlation between the plasmid copy number and the phylogenetic relatedness of the strains was observed. However, genomes of strains isolated from animal tissues generally maintained a higher plasmid copy number than genomes of strains from environmental sources (P < 0.05 [Welch two-sample t test]). Comparisons against B. cereus genomes carrying complete or partial pXO1-like and pXO2-like plasmids showed that the plasmid-based phylogeny recapitulated that of the main chromosome, indicating limited plasmid horizontal transfer between or within these species. Comparisons of gene content revealed a closed pXO1 and pXO2 pangenome; e.g., plasmids encode <8 unique genes, on average, and a single large fragment deletion of pXO1 in one B. anthracis strain (2000031682) was detected. Collectively, our results provide a more complete view of the genomic diversity of B. anthracis plasmids, their copy number variation, and the virulence potential of other Bacillus species carrying pXO1/pXO2-like plasmids. IMPORTANCE Bacillus anthracis microorganisms are of historical and epidemiological importance and are among the most homogenous bacterial groups known, even though the B. anthracis genome is rich in mobile elements. Mobile elements can trigger the diversification of lineages; therefore, characterizing the extent of genomic variation in a large collection of strains is critical for a complete understanding of the diversity and evolution of the species. Here, we sequenced a large collection of B. anthracis strains (>400) that were recovered from human, animal, and environmental sources around the world. Our results confirmed the remarkable stability of gene content and synteny of the anthrax plasmids and revealed no signal of plasmid exchange between B. anthracis and pathogenic B. cereus isolates but rather predominantly vertical descent. These findings advance our understanding of the biology and pathogenomic evolution of B. anthracis and its plasmids. |
Enhancing surveillance and diagnostics in anthrax-endemic countries
Vieira AR , Salzer JS , Traxler RM , Hendricks KA , Kadzik ME , Marston CK , Kolton CB , Stoddard RA , Hoffmaster AR , Bower WA , Walke HT . Emerg Infect Dis 2017 23 (13) S147-53 Naturally occurring anthrax disproportionately affects the health and economic welfare of poor, rural communities in anthrax-endemic countries. However, many of these countries have limited anthrax prevention and control programs. Effective prevention of anthrax outbreaks among humans is accomplished through routine livestock vaccination programs and prompt response to animal outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses a 2-phase framework when providing technical assistance to partners in anthrax-endemic countries. The first phase assesses and identifies areas for improvement in existing human and animal surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and outbreak response. The second phase provides steps to implement improvements to these areas. We describe examples of implementing this framework in anthrax-endemic countries. These activities are at varying stages of completion; however, the public health impact of these initiatives has been encouraging. The anthrax framework can be extended to other zoonotic diseases to build on these efforts, improve human and animal health, and enhance global health security. |
Bacillus anthracis gamma phage lysis among soil bacteria: an update on test specificity
Kolton CB , Podnecky NL , Shadomy SV , Gee JE , Hoffmaster AR . BMC Res Notes 2017 10 (1) 598 BACKGROUND: Bacillus anthracis, which causes anthrax in humans and animals, is enzootic in parts of the U.S. state of Texas where cases are typically reported in animals annually. The gamma phage lysis assay is a common diagnostic method for identification of B. anthracis and is based on the bacterium's susceptibility to lysis. This test has been shown to be 97% specific for B. anthracis, as a small number of strains of other Bacillus spp. are known to be susceptible. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a combination of B. anthracis diagnostic assays on 700 aerobic, spore-forming isolates recovered from soil collected in Texas. These assays include phenotypic descriptions, gamma phage susceptibility, and real-time polymerase chain reaction specific for B. anthracis. Gamma phage-susceptible isolates were also tested using cell wall and capsule direct fluorescent-antibody assays specific for B. anthracis. Gamma phage-susceptible isolates that were ruled out as B. anthracis were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. FINDINGS: We identified 29 gamma phage-susceptible isolates. One was confirmed as B. anthracis, while the other 28 isolates were ruled out for B. anthracis by the other diagnostic tests. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing results, we identified these isolates as members of the B. cereus group, Bacillus sp. (not within B. cereus group), Lysinibacillus spp., and Solibacillus silvestris. Based on these results, we report a specificity of 96% for gamma phage lysis as a diagnostic test for B. anthracis, and identified susceptible isolates outside the Bacillus genus. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found gamma phage susceptibility to be consistent with previously reported results. However, we identified non-B. anthracis environmental isolates (including isolates from genera other than Bacillus) that are susceptible to gamma phage lysis. To date, susceptibility to gamma phage lysis has not been reported in genera other than Bacillus. Though these isolates are not of clinical origin, description of unexpected positives is important, especially as new diagnostic assays for B. anthracis are being developed based on gamma phage lysis or gamma phage proteins. |
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus LA2007, a Human-Pathogenic Isolate Harboring Anthrax-Like Plasmids.
Pena-Gonzalez A , Marston CK , Rodriguez RLm , Kolton CB , Garcia-Diaz J , Theppote A , Frace M , Konstantinidis KT , Hoffmaster AR . Genome Announc 2017 5 (16) We present the genome sequence of Bacillus cereus LA2007, a strain isolated in 2007 from a fatal pneumonia case in Louisiana. Sequence-based genome analysis revealed that LA2007 carries a plasmid highly similar to Bacillus anthracis pXO1, including the genes responsible for the production and regulation of anthrax toxin. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Nov 11, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure