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Bower WA, Yu Y, Person MK, Parker CM, Kennedy JL, Sue D, Hesse EM, Cook R, Bradley J, Bulitta JB, Karchmer AW, Ward RM, Cato SG, Stephens KC, Hendricks KA. CDC Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Anthrax, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep 2023; 72:1-47. [PMID: 37963097 PMCID: PMC10651316 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7206a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This report updates previous CDC guidelines and recommendations on preferred prevention and treatment regimens regarding naturally occurring anthrax. Also provided are a wide range of alternative regimens to first-line antimicrobial drugs for use if patients have contraindications or intolerances or after a wide-area aerosol release of Bacillus anthracis spores if resources become limited or a multidrug-resistant B. anthracis strain is used (Hendricks KA, Wright ME, Shadomy SV, et al.; Workgroup on Anthrax Clinical Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert panel meetings on prevention and treatment of anthrax in adults. Emerg Infect Dis 2014;20:e130687; Meaney-Delman D, Rasmussen SA, Beigi RH, et al. Prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax in pregnant women. Obstet Gynecol 2013;122:885-900; Bradley JS, Peacock G, Krug SE, et al. Pediatric anthrax clinical management. Pediatrics 2014;133:e1411-36). Specifically, this report updates antimicrobial drug and antitoxin use for both postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment from these previous guidelines best practices and is based on systematic reviews of the literature regarding 1) in vitro antimicrobial drug activity against B. anthracis; 2) in vivo antimicrobial drug efficacy for PEP and treatment; 3) in vivo and human antitoxin efficacy for PEP, treatment, or both; and 4) human survival after antimicrobial drug PEP and treatment of localized anthrax, systemic anthrax, and anthrax meningitis. Changes from previous CDC guidelines and recommendations include an expanded list of alternative antimicrobial drugs to use when first-line antimicrobial drugs are contraindicated or not tolerated or after a bioterrorism event when first-line antimicrobial drugs are depleted or ineffective against a genetically engineered resistant B. anthracis strain. In addition, these updated guidelines include new recommendations regarding special considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of anthrax meningitis, including comorbid, social, and clinical predictors of anthrax meningitis. The previously published CDC guidelines and recommendations described potentially beneficial critical care measures and clinical assessment tools and procedures for persons with anthrax, which have not changed and are not addressed in this update. In addition, no changes were made to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for use of anthrax vaccine (Bower WA, Schiffer J, Atmar RL, et al. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2019. MMWR Recomm Rep 2019;68[No. RR-4]:1-14). The updated guidelines in this report can be used by health care providers to prevent and treat anthrax and guide emergency preparedness officials and planners as they develop and update plans for a wide-area aerosol release of B. anthracis.
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Kutmanova A, Zholdoshev S, Roguski KM, Sholpanbay uulu M, Person MK, Cook R, Bugrysheva J, Nadol P, Buranchieva A, Imanbaeva L, Dzhangazieva A, Bower WA, Hendricks K. Risk Factors for Severe Cutaneous Anthrax in a Retrospective Case Series and Use of a Clinical Algorithm to Identify Likely Meningitis and Evaluate Treatment Outcomes, Kyrgyz Republic, 2005-2012. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S478-S486. [PMID: 36251556 PMCID: PMC9649429 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines currently recommend triple-therapy antimicrobial treatment for anthrax meningitis. In the Kyrgyz Republic, a country with endemic anthrax, cutaneous anthrax patients are routinely hospitalized and treated successfully with only monotherapy or dual therapy. Clinical algorithms have been developed to identify patients with likely anthrax meningitis based on signs and symptoms alone. We sought to retrospectively identify likely meningitis patients in the Kyrgyz Republic using a clinical algorithm and evaluate risk factors and their outcomes by type of treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of cutaneous anthrax patients in the Kyrgyz Republic from 2005 through 2012. Using previous methods, we developed a highly specific algorithm to categorize patients by meningitis status. We then evaluated patient risk factors, treatments, and outcomes by disease severity and meningitis status. RESULTS We categorized 37 of 230 cutaneous anthrax patients as likely having meningitis. All 37 likely meningitis patients survived, receiving only mono- or dual-therapy antimicrobials. We identified underlying medical conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and tobacco and alcohol use, as potential risk factors for severe anthrax and anthrax meningitis. CONCLUSIONS Based on our analyses, treatment of anthrax meningitis may not require 3 antimicrobials, which could impact future anthrax treatment recommendations. In addition, chronic comorbidities may increase risk for severe anthrax and anthrax meningitis. Future research should further investigate potential risk factors for severe anthrax and their impact on laboratory-confirmed meningitis and evaluate mono- and dual-therapy antimicrobial regimens for anthrax meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainura Kutmanova
- Correspondence: A. Kutmanova, PhD, Department of Infectious Diseases, International Higher School of Medicine, 720054 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic ()
| | - Saparbai Zholdoshev
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology with a course of Infectious Diseases, Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Katherine M Roguski
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melis Sholpanbay uulu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Marissa K Person
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Cook
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia Bugrysheva
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick Nadol
- CDC Kyrgyzstan, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Aisuluu Buranchieva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Lira Imanbaeva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Ainura Dzhangazieva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - William A Bower
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katherine Hendricks
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Maxson T, Kongphet-Tran T, Mongkolrattanothai T, Travis T, Hendricks K, Parker C, McLaughlin HP, Bugrysheva J, Ambrosio F, Michel P, Cherney B, Lascols C, Sue D. Systematic Review of In Vitro Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Bacillus anthracis, 1947-2019. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S373-S378. [PMID: 36251548 PMCID: PMC9649422 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a high-consequence bacterial pathogen that occurs naturally in many parts of the world and is considered an agent of biowarfare or bioterrorism. Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of B. anthracis isolates is foundational to treating naturally occurring outbreaks and to public health preparedness in the event of an intentional release. In this systematic review, we searched the peer-reviewed literature for all publications detailing antimicrobial susceptibility testing of B. anthracis. Within the set of discovered articles, we collated a subset of publications detailing susceptibility testing that followed standardized protocols for Food and Drug Administration-approved, commercially available antimicrobials. We analyzed the findings from the discovered articles, including the reported minimal inhibitory concentrations. Across the literature, most B. anthracis isolates were reported as susceptible to current first-line antimicrobials recommended for postexposure prophylaxis and treatment. The data presented for potential alternative antimicrobials will be of use if significant resistance to first-line antimicrobials arises, the strain is bioengineered, or first-line antimicrobials are not tolerated or available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tucker Maxson
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thiphasone Kongphet-Tran
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thitipong Mongkolrattanothai
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tatiana Travis
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katherine Hendricks
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Corinne Parker
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heather P McLaughlin
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julia Bugrysheva
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Frank Ambrosio
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pierre Michel
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Blake Cherney
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine Lascols
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Sue
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Dülger M, Murat K. A rare presentation of anthrax with sepsis: A case report. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.25000/acem.457035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Sahin M, Buyuk F, Baillie L, Wölfel R, Kotorashvili A, Rehn A, Antwerpen M, Grass G. The identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms to assist in mapping the spread of Bacillus anthracis across the Southern Caucasus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11254. [PMID: 30050151 PMCID: PMC6062627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is common as a zoonotic disease in the southern Caucasus area including parts of Turkey and Georgia. In this region, population genetics of the etiological agent Bacillus anthracis comprises, where known, the major canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) groups A.Br.Aust94 and A.Br.008/009 of the pathogen's global phylogeny, respectively. Previously, isolates of B. anthracis from Turkey have been genotyped predominantly by multi locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) or canSNP typing. While whole genome sequencing is the future gold standard, it is currently still costly. For that reason we were interested in identifying novel SNPs which could assist in further distinguishing closely related isolates using low cost assay platforms. In this study we sequenced the genomes of seven B. anthracis strains collected from the Kars province of Eastern Anatolia in Turkey and discovered new SNPs which allowed us to assign these and other geographically related strains to three novel branches of the major A-branch canSNP-group (A.Br.) Aust94. These new branches were named Kafkas-Geo 1-3 and comprised isolates from the Kars region and the neighboring republic of Georgia suggesting a common ancestry. The novel SNPs identified in this study connect the population genetics of B. anthracis in the South Caucasus and Turkey and will likely assist efforts to map the spread of the pathogen across this region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roman Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Adam Kotorashvili
- Lugar Center for Public Health Research at the National Center for Disease Control, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany.
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Miskiewicz A, Kowalczyk P, Oraibi SM, Cybulska K, Misiewicz A. Bird feathers as potential sources of pathogenic microorganisms: a new look at old diseases. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 111:1493-1507. [PMID: 29460207 PMCID: PMC6097735 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This article describes methods of treatment for avian zoonoses, modern antibiotic therapy and drug resistance of selected pathogens, which pose a threat to the population’s health. A tabular form has been used to present the current data from the European Union from 2011 to 2017 regarding human morbidity and mortality and the costs incurred by national health systems for the treatment of zoonoses occurring in humans and animals. Moreover, the paper includes descriptions of selected diseases, which indirectly affect birds. Scientists can obtain information regarding the occurrence of particular diseases, their aetiology, epidemiology, incubation period and symptoms caused by dangerous microorganisms and parasites. This information should be of particular interest for people who have frequent contact with birds, such as ornithologists, as well as veterinarians, farm staff, owners of accompanying animals and zoological workers. This paper presents a review used for identification and genetic characterization of bacterial strains isolated from a variety of environmental sources, e.g., bird feathers along with their practical application. We describe the bacterial, viral and fungal serotypes present on avian feathers after the slaughter process. This review also enables us to effectively identify several of the early stages of infectious diseases from heterogeneous avian research material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Miskiewicz
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 18 Miodowa St., 00-246, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Kowalczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jabłonna, Poland.
| | - Sanaa Mahdi Oraibi
- Department of Chemistry, Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17 Str., 71-434, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krystyna Cybulska
- Department of Chemistry, Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17 Str., 71-434, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Misiewicz
- Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
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Characterisation of the antibacterial properties of the recombinant phage endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 as potent bactericidal agents against Bacillus anthracis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:18. [PMID: 29311588 PMCID: PMC5758571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The recombinant phage endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 were developed using genetic information from bacteriophages AP50 and B4 and were produced by microbial cultivation followed by chromatographic purification. Subsequently, appropriate formulations were developed that provided an acceptable stability of the recombinant endolysins. The bacteriolytic properties of the formulated endolysins AP50-31 and LysB4 against several bacterial strains belonging to the Bacillus genus including Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) strains were examined. AP50-31 and LysB4 displayed rapid bacteriolytic activity and broad bacteriolytic spectra within the Bacillus genus, including bacteriolytic activity against all the B. anthracis strains tested. When administered intranasally, LysB4 completely protected A/J mice from lethality after infection with the spores of B. anthracis Sterne. When examined at 3 days post-infection, bacterial counts in the major organs (lung, liver, kidney, and spleen) were significantly lower compared with those of the control group that was not treated with endolysin. In addition, histopathological examinations revealed a marked improvement of pathological features in the LysB4-treated group. The results of this study support the idea that phage endolysins are promising candidates for developing therapeutics against anthrax infection.
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Ortatatli M, Canitez K, Sezigen S, Eyison RK, Kenar L. Evaluation of Gamma-Radiation Inactivation of a Bioterrorism Agent, Bacillus anthracis Spores, on Different Materials. Indian J Microbiol 2017; 58:76-80. [PMID: 29434400 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-017-0691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Decontamination of suspected packages, such as sealed envelopes, liquids and tools that are likely contaminated with biological agents is of great importance. In this study, we aimed to determine the gamma radiation dose required for the decontamination of paper, fabric and liquid materials without causing any damage to the structure of these materials. Each study group included 11 pieces of paper, fabric and sterile saline contaminated with 0.8 × 105 virulent Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) spores. These specimens were exposed to doses of 5.49, 11.58, 17.21, 21.75, 27 and 33.1 kilogray (kGy) of gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source. After irradiation of all the samples, a viability assessment of the B. anthracis spores was performed. It was found that full decontamination was achieved with 11.58 kGy on the paper samples and 17.21 kGy on the fabric and liquid samples. It was concluded that a dose of 20 kGy of gamma radiation may be recommended for the inactivation of B. anthracis for some surfaces when especially sensitive and valuable materials cannot be wet decontaminated were exposed. In addition, serologic and molecular assays of the suspected packets can be performed for forensic purposes without damaging existing evidence in a bioterror incident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Ortatatli
- Department of Medical CBRN Defence, University of Health Sciences, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kadir Canitez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sermet Sezigen
- Department of Medical CBRN Defence, University of Health Sciences, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ruşen Koray Eyison
- Department of Medical CBRN Defence, University of Health Sciences, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Kenar
- Department of Medical CBRN Defence, University of Health Sciences, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
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Bugrysheva JV, Lascols C, Sue D, Weigel LM. Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Burkholderia pseudomallei by Use of Laser Light Scattering Technology. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:1462-1471. [PMID: 26984973 PMCID: PMC4879290 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03251-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid methods to determine antimicrobial susceptibility would assist in the timely distribution of effective treatment or postexposure prophylaxis in the aftermath of the release of bacterial biothreat agents such as Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, or Burkholderia pseudomallei Conventional susceptibility tests require 16 to 48 h of incubation, depending on the bacterial species. We evaluated a method that is based on laser light scattering technology that measures cell density in real time. We determined that it has the ability to rapidly differentiate between growth (resistant) and no growth (susceptible) of several bacterial threat agents in the presence of clinically relevant antimicrobials. Results were available in <4 h for B. anthracis and <6 h for Y. pestis and B. pseudomallei One exception was B. pseudomallei in the presence of ceftazidime, which required >10 h of incubation. Use of laser scattering technology decreased the time required to determine antimicrobial susceptibility by 50% to 75% for B. anthracis, Y. pestis, and B. pseudomallei compared to conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia V Bugrysheva
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine Lascols
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David Sue
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Linda M Weigel
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Parlak E, Parlak M. Human Cutaneous Anthrax, the East Anatolian Region of Turkey 2008-2014. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 16:42-7. [PMID: 26720232 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. While anthrax is rare in developed countries, it is endemic in Turkey. The names of the different forms of the disease refer to the manner of entry of the spores into the body-cutaneous, gastrointestinal, inhalation, and injection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, epidemiological history, treatment, and outcomes of patients with anthrax. Eighty-two cases of anthrax hospitalized at Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology in 2008-2014 were examined retrospectively. Gender, age, occupation, year, history, clinical characteristics, character of lesions, length of hospitalization, and outcomes were recorded. Thirty (36.6%) patients were female and 52 (63.4%) patients were male; ages were 18-69 and mean age was 43.77 ± 13.05. The mean incubation period was 4.79 ± 3.76 days. Cases were largely identified in August (41.5%) and September (25.6%). Sixty-nine (84.1%) of the 82 patients had been given antibiotics before presentation. Lesions were most common on the fingers and arms. The most common occupational groups were housewives (36.6%) and people working in animal husbandry (31.7%). All patients had histories of contact with diseased animals and animal products. Penicillin-group antibiotics (78%) were most commonly used in treatment. One patient (1.2%) died from anthrax meningitis. The mean length of hospitalization was 8.30 ± 5.36 days. Anthrax is an endemic disease of economic and social significance for the region. Effective public health control measures, risk group education, vaccination of animals, and decontamination procedures will reduce the number of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Parlak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine , Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Parlak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine , Erzurum, Turkey
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Khmaladze E, Birdsell DN, Naumann AA, Hochhalter CB, Seymour ML, Nottingham R, Beckstrom-Sternberg SM, Beckstrom-Sternberg J, Nikolich MP, Chanturia G, Zhgenti E, Zakalashvili M, Malania L, Babuadze G, Tsertsvadze N, Abazashvili N, Kekelidze M, Tsanava S, Imnadze P, Ganz HH, Getz WM, Pearson O, Gajer P, Eppinger M, Ravel J, Wagner DM, Okinaka RT, Schupp JM, Keim P, Pearson T. Phylogeography of Bacillus anthracis in the country of Georgia shows evidence of population structuring and is dissimilar to other regional genotypes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102651. [PMID: 25047912 PMCID: PMC4105404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence analyses and subtyping of Bacillus anthracis strains from Georgia reveal a single distinct lineage (Aust94) that is ecologically established. Phylogeographic analysis and comparisons to a global collection reveals a clade that is mostly restricted to Georgia. Within this clade, many groups are found around the country, however at least one subclade is only found in the eastern part. This pattern suggests that dispersal into and out of Georgia has been rare and despite historical dispersion within the country, for at least for one lineage, current spread is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterine Khmaladze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Dawn N. Birdsell
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Amber A. Naumann
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Christian B. Hochhalter
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Meagan L. Seymour
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Roxanne Nottingham
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - James Beckstrom-Sternberg
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mikeljon P. Nikolich
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gvantsa Chanturia
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Ekaterine Zhgenti
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Lile Malania
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Giorgi Babuadze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Merab Kekelidze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Shota Tsanava
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Paata Imnadze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Holly H. Ganz
- Department Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Ofori Pearson
- US Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark Eppinger
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David M. Wagner
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Richard T. Okinaka
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - James M. Schupp
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Paul Keim
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Talima Pearson
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
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Derzelle S, Thierry S. Genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis in Europe: genotyping methods in forensic and epidemiologic investigations. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S166-76. [PMID: 23971802 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2013.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, a zoonosis relatively common throughout the world, can be used as an agent of bioterrorism. In naturally occurring outbreaks and in criminal release of this pathogen, a fast and accurate diagnosis is crucial to an effective response. Microbiological forensics and epidemiologic investigations increasingly rely on molecular markers, such as polymorphisms in DNA sequence, to obtain reliable information regarding the identification or source of a suspicious strain. Over the past decade, significant research efforts have been undertaken to develop genotyping methods with increased power to differentiate B. anthracis strains. A growing number of DNA signatures have been identified and used to survey B. anthracis diversity in nature, leading to rapid advances in our understanding of the global population of this pathogen. This article provides an overview of the different phylogenetic subgroups distributed across the world, with a particular focus on Europe. Updated information on the anthrax situation in Europe is reported. A brief description of some of the work in progress in the work package 5.1 of the AniBioThreat project is also presented, including (1) the development of a robust typing tool based on a suspension array technology and multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphisms scoring and (2) the typing of a collection of DNA from European isolates exchanged between the partners of the project. The know-how acquired will contribute to improving the EU's ability to react rapidly when the identity and real origin of a strain need to be established.
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Beyer W, Turnbull P. Co-infection of an animal with more than one genotype can occur in anthrax. Lett Appl Microbiol 2013; 57:380-4. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Beyer
- University of Hohenheim; Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene; Stuttgart Germany
| | - P.C.B. Turnbull
- University of Hohenheim; Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene; Stuttgart Germany
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Molecular epidemiology of the Bacillus anthracis isolates collected throughout Turkey from 1983 to 2011. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 31:2783-90. [PMID: 22576652 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-012-1628-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The main perspective of this study was to determine cross-transmissions amongst anthrax cases and provide detailed information regarding the genotypes of Bacillus anthracis isolates circulating in Turkey. A total of 251 B. anthracis isolates were obtained from human (93 isolates), animal (155 isolates), and environmental (three isolates) samples in various provinces of Turkey. All isolates were susceptible to quinolones, vancomycin, tigecycline, and linezolid, but not to ceftriaxone. Excluding human isolates, one of the animal isolates was found to be resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, and doxycycline. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis including 8 loci (MLVA8) revealed 12 genotypes, in which genotype 43 was observed at the highest frequency (41.8 %), followed by genotype 35 (25.5 %) and genotype 27 (10.4 %). Major subtype A3.a was the predominant cluster, including 86.8 % of the isolates. The MLVA25 analysis for the 251 isolates yielded 62 different genotypes, 33 of which had only one isolate, while the remaining 29 genotypes had 2 to 43 isolates, with a total of 218 isolates (86.9 %). These findings indicate very high cross-transmission rates within anthrax cases in Turkey. The genotypes diagnosed in Turkey are populated in the A major cluster. Penicillin prescribed as the first-choice antibiotic for the treatment of anthrax is still effective.
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