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Antwerpen M, Beyer W, Grass G. New Insights into the Phylogeny of the A.Br.161 ("A.Br.Heroin") Clade of Bacillus anthracis. Pathogens 2024; 13:593. [PMID: 39057820 PMCID: PMC11279936 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a rare but highly dangerous zoonotic bacterial pathogen. At the beginning of this century, a new manifestation of the disease, injectional anthrax, emerged as a result of recreational heroin consumption involving contaminated drugs. The organisms associated with this 13-year-lasting outbreak event in European drug consumers were all grouped into the canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) clade A-branch (A.Br.) 161 of B. anthracis. Related clade A.Br.161 strains of B. anthracis not associated with heroin consumption have also been identified from different countries, mostly in Asia. Because of inadvertent spread by anthropogenic activities, other strains of this A.Br.161 lineage were, however, isolated from several countries. Thus, without additional isolates from this clade, its origin of evolution or its autochthonous region remains obscure. Here, we genomically characterized six new A.Br.161 group isolates, some of which were from Iran, with others likely historically introduced into Germany. All the chromosomes of these isolates could be grouped into a distinct sub-clade within the A.Br.161 clade. This sub-clade is separated from the main A.Br.161 lineage by a single SNP. We have developed this SNP into a PCR assay facilitating the future attribution of strains to this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Antwerpen
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Beyer
- Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany
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Galante D, Gainer RS, Hugh-Jones ME. Environmental relationships and anthrax epidemiology: field experiences of host resistance as opposed to dose-dependent experiments. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107128. [PMID: 38309609 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Even though anthrax is a disease of antiquity that has been studied for centuries, serious concerns have been raised about our understanding of its epidemiology. Since the 1960s, we have based the epidemiology of anthrax on the results of dose-dependent experiments, especially those involving cattle at that time. In this species the experiments demonstrated that the severity of infection was dependent upon the numbers of Bacillus anthracis spores ingested. The opinion was that ingesting only a few spores would be insufficient to cause an apparent infection; any infection that resulted would be latent (i.e., unrecognized). Based on the results of these experiments, it was accepted that the ingestion of large numbers of spores was the source of infection for hundreds of anthrax outbreaks. However, many investigations of both human and animal anthrax outbreaks have failed to identify sources of large numbers of spores, suggesting that these outbreaks are only rarely a consequence of ingestion or inhalation of large quantities of spores. This opinion piece builds upon the indirect evidence previously presented in an article focused on the existence of latent infections. Much of the evidence for the existence of latent infections was predicated upon a reduction of host resistance, which revealed how latent infections could be a source of more severe forms of the infection. That is, a latent infection can be the source of a severe infection, but the cause of the severe infection is the reduced host resistance. That first article concentrated on the arguments for latent infections, while this article concentrates on the arguments for host resistance. Host resistance is virtually impossible to measure objectively in the field. To provide a subjective measure of host resistance during anthrax outbreaks, we suggest the use of the opinions of livestock owners and or their veterinary practitioners and or field workers during investigations of anthrax outbreaks. When veterinary personal work in the field they are much like field biologists. In some ways field biologists better appreciate environmental factors, population ecology and other perspectives that are of use to epidemiologists. The more diverse the information the better the epidemiology is understood. To this effect we present our personal anecdotal and theoretical ideas from our experiences as well as a collection of bibliographic observations from others'. Our conclusions are that a combination of latent infections and reduced host resistance based on the host's relationship with its environment would better explain the epidemiology of severe infections in anthrax outbreaks for which large quantities of spores have not been located. This applies especially if the area has a history of the disease and/or if necropsies have shown the presence of latent infections in otherwise normal animals in the area and/or if environmental conditions are considered stressful and include intense insect activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Galante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
| | | | - Martin E Hugh-Jones
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-5705, USA
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Sardar N, Aziz MW, Mukhtar N, Yaqub T, Anjum AA, Javed M, Ashraf MA, Tanvir R, Wolfe AJ, Schabacker DS, Forrester S, Khemmani M, Aqel AA, Warraich MA, Shabbir MZ. One Health Assessment of Bacillus anthracis Incidence and Detection in Anthrax-Endemic Areas of Pakistan. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2462. [PMID: 37894120 PMCID: PMC10609008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax, a severe zoonotic disease, is infrequently reported in anthrax-endemic regions of Pakistan. Despite clinical reports indicating its presence, particularly cutaneous anthrax, there is insufficient laboratory evidence regarding disease occurrence and environmental persistence. The present study aimed to confirm Bacillus anthracis presence, accountable for animal mortality and human infection, while exploring environmental transmission factors. Between March 2019 and July 2021, a total of 19 outbreaks were documented. Of these, 11 affected sheep/goats in Zhob district and 8 affected cattle/sheep in Bajour Agency. Clinical signs suggestive of Bacillus anthracis outbreak were observed in 11 animals. Blood and swab samples were collected for confirmation. The study followed a One Health approach, analyzing animal, environmental (soil/plant), and human samples. Of the 19 outbreaks, 11 were confirmed positive for anthrax based on growth characteristics, colony morphology, and PCR. Soil and plant root samples from the outbreak areas were collected and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. Cutaneous anthrax was observed in six humans, and swab samples were taken from the lesions. Human serum samples (n = 156) were tested for IgG antibodies against PA toxin and quantitative analysis of anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1). Bacillus anthracis was detected in 65 out of 570 (11.40%) soil samples and 19 out of 190 (10%) plant root samples from the outbreak areas. Four out of six human samples from cutaneous anthrax lesions tested positive for Bacillus anthracis. Human anthrax seroprevalence was found to be 11% and 9% in two districts, with the highest rates among butchers and meat consumers. The highest ANTXR1 levels were observed in butchers, followed by meat consumers, farm employees, meat vendors, veterinarians, and farm owners. These findings highlight the persistence of anthrax in the region and emphasize the potential public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nageen Sardar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, University of Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqar Aziz
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Mukhtar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Tahir Yaqub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Aftab Ahmad Anjum
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Maryam Javed
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Muhammad Adnan Ashraf
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Rabia Tanvir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | | | | | - Mark Khemmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | - Amin A. Aqel
- Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan;
| | - Muhammad Akib Warraich
- Department of Marketing, Rennes School of Business, CS 76522, 2 Rue Robert d’Arbrissel, 35065 Rennes Cedex, France;
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
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Nishanth MAD, Gourkhede D, Paidipally L, Borse R, Pollumahanti N, Nair A, Kiranmayee B, Malik SVS, Barbuddhe SB, Rawool DB. Comparative evaluation of in-house developed latex agglutination test (LAT) with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) -recommended methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores from the soil. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 211:106778. [PMID: 37394181 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
In-house developed Bacillus anthracis-specific synthetic peptide-based latex agglutination test (LAT) assay was comparatively evaluated with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recommended polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/real-time PCR (qPCR) methods for the screening of B. anthracis spores from the soil to provide a simple, rapid, and economical immunodiagnostic test for field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anto Dani Nishanth
- ICAR- National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad 500 092, India; Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | - Diksha Gourkhede
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | | | - Rushikesh Borse
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | | | - Amruta Nair
- ICAR- National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad 500 092, India
| | - Bhimavarapu Kiranmayee
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | - Satya Veer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
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Hamutyinei Dhliwayo T, Chonzi P, Madembo C, Juru TP, Chadambuka A, Gombe NT, Chikerema S, Shambira G, Umeokonkwo CD, Tshimanga M. Anthrax outbreak investigation in Tengwe, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, 2022. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278537. [PMID: 36508405 PMCID: PMC9744298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health concern in Zimbabwe. Between December 2021 and February 2022, Tengwe reported 36 cases of human anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax has the potential to cause serious outbreaks leading to loss of human life. We investigated the outbreak, identified the risk factors using one health approach to inform outbreak control. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted descriptive analysis of the outbreak and a 1:2 unmatched case control study to identify risk factors for anthrax. A case was any Tengwe resident who developed an ulcer and/or abdominal symptoms and epidemiologically linked to a confirmed environmental exposure. Validated, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the cases and neighbourhood controls. Soil and dried meat samples were collected for laboratory investigations. District preparedness and response was assessed using a checklist. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5. The odds of exposure were calculated for each risk factor examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with contracting anthrax. RESULTS Through active case finding we identified 36 cases, 31 were interviewed. Twenty-one (67.7%) were males. The median age was 33 years (Inter quartile range: 22-54). Nineteen (61.2%) cases presented with abdominal symptoms with zero deaths reported. The independent risk factor for contracting anthrax was eating under-cooked meat (aOR = 12.2, 95% CI: 1.41-105.74, p = 0.023). All samples collected tested positive for anthrax. No livestock vaccinations or zoonotic meetings were being conducted prior to the outbreak. Notification of the outbreak was done 11 days after index case presentation however one health response was instituted within 24 hours. CONCLUSION The anthrax was confirmed in Tengwe. Consumption of under-cooked meat was associated with gastrointestinal anthrax. The timely one health response resulted in excellent outcomes. Using one health approach in managing zoonotic threats is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Hamutyinei Dhliwayo
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Tsitsi Patience Juru
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Addmore Chadambuka
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- * E-mail:
| | - Notion Tafara Gombe
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Silvester Chikerema
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gerald Shambira
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Mufuta Tshimanga
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Reoccurring bovine anthrax in Germany on the same pasture after 12 years. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0229121. [PMID: 35195442 PMCID: PMC8925895 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02291-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic disease anthrax, caused by the endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is very rare in Germany. In the state of Bavaria, the last case occurred in July of 2009, resulting in four dead cows. In August of 2021, the disease reemerged after heavy rains, killing one gestating cow. Notably, both outbreaks affected the same pasture, suggesting a close epidemiological connection. B. anthracis could be grown from blood culture, and the presence of both virulence plasmids (pXO1 and pXO2) was confirmed by PCR. Also, recently developed diagnostic tools enabled rapid detection of B. anthracis cells and nucleic acids directly in clinical samples. The complete genome of the strain isolated from blood, designated BF-5, was DNA sequenced and phylogenetically grouped within the B.Br.CNEVA clade, which is typical for European B. anthracis strains. The genome was almost identical to BF-1, the isolate from 2009, separated only by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the chromosome, one on plasmid pXO2 and three indel regions. Further, B. anthracis DNA was detected by PCR from soil samples taken from spots in the pasture where the cow had fallen. New tools based on phage receptor-binding proteins enabled the microscopic detection and isolation of B. anthracis directly from soil samples. These environmental isolates were genotyped and found to be identical to BF-5 in terms of SNPs. Therefore, it seems that the BF-5 genotype is currently the prevalent one at the affected premises. The area contaminated by the cadaver was subsequently disinfected with formaldehyde.
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Braun P, Rupprich N, Neif D, Grass G. Enzyme-Linked Phage Receptor Binding Protein Assays (ELPRA) Enable Identification of Bacillus anthracis Colonies. Viruses 2021; 13:1462. [PMID: 34452328 PMCID: PMC8402711 DOI: 10.3390/v13081462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage receptor binding proteins (RBPs) are employed by viruses to recognize specific surface structures on bacterial host cells. Recombinant RBPs have been utilized for detection of several pathogens, typically as fusions with reporter enzymes or fluorescent proteins. Identification of Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, can be difficult because of the bacterium's close relationship with other species of the Bacillus cereussensu lato group. Here, we facilitated the identification of B. anthracis using two implementations of enzyme-linked phage receptor binding protein assays (ELPRA). We developed a single-tube centrifugation assay simplifying the rapid analysis of suspect colonies. A second assay enables identification of suspect colonies from mixed overgrown solid (agar) media derived from the complex matrix soil. Thus, these tests identified vegetative cells of B. anthracis with little processing time and may support or confirm pathogen detection by molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gregor Grass
- Department of Bacteriology and Toxinology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.B.); (N.R.); (D.N.)
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Investigation on Anthrax in Bangladesh during the Outbreaks of 2011 and Definition of the Epidemiological Correlations. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040481. [PMID: 33921040 PMCID: PMC8071373 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, in Bangladesh, 11 anthrax outbreaks occurred in six districts of the country. Different types of samples were collected from May to September in the six districts where anthrax had occurred in order to detect and type Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) strains. Anthrax was detected in 46.6% of the samples analysed, in particular in soils, but also in bone samples, water, animal feed, and rumen ingesta of dead animals. Canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms (CanSNPs) analysis showed that all the isolates belonged to the major lineage A, sublineage A.Br.001/002 of China and Southeast Asia while the multi-locus variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) analysis (MLVA) with 15 VNTRs demonstrated the presence of five genotypes, of which two resulted to be new genotypes. The single nucleotide repeats (SNRs) analysis showed 13 SNR types; nevertheless, due to its higher discriminatory power, the presence of two isolates with different SNR-type polymorphisms was detected within two MLVA genotypes. This study assumes that soil is not the only reason for the spread of the disease in Bangladesh; contaminated feed and water can also play an important role in the epidemiology of anthrax. Possible explanations for these epidemiological relationships are discussed.
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Rohde A, Papp S, Feige P, Grunow R, Kaspari O. Development of a novel selective agar for the isolation and detection of Bacillus anthracis. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 129:311-318. [PMID: 32052540 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to develop a novel selective agar for the specific isolation and detection of Bacillus anthracis. METHODS AND RESULTS Based on published data on antibiotic resistance and susceptibility of B. anthracis and other closely related species of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group, a new selective agar formulation termed CEFOMA (Bacillus CEreus sensu lato group-specific antibiotics, FOsfomycin, MAcrolides) was developed and evaluated. All tested strains of B. anthracis were able to grow on CEFOMA with the same colony number as on non-selective media, whereas CEFOMA inhibited the growth of the other species within the B. cereus sensu lato group. In comparison to other selective agars, CEFOMA had a superior performance and considerably reduced the total amount of accompanying flora in soil. Furthermore, B. anthracis was successfully isolated from deliberately spiked soil samples. CONCLUSIONS CEFOMA is a highly promising selective agar for the efficient isolation of B. anthracis from environmental samples with a large bacterial background flora. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The isolation of B. anthracis from environmental samples is severely impaired by the lack of adequate selective agars which suppress the growth of other bacteria. CEFOMA agar represents an important improvement and suitable alternative to currently used selective agars.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rohde
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Papp
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Feige
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Grunow
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - O Kaspari
- Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
A matched case-control study was conducted in Bangladesh by enrolling case smallholdings of cattle affected with anthrax in the period of October 2010 to December 2014. The cases were initially reported by mass media and/or in surveillance reports from authorities concerned in the country. In total, 43 case smallholdings were enrolled. For each case, a control was matched by similarity in herd-size and rearing of animals, selected from a distantly located (within 3-10 km) place but within the same sub-district of the case farm. Data collected by administering a prototype questionnaire were analysed by matched-pair analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression. Out of the 43 smallholdings, 41 were located in three adjoining districts: Pabna, Sirajganj and Tangail, apparently forming a spatial cluster, could be termed 'anthrax hot spot' in Bangladesh. Sick animal on farm or a nearby farm slaughtered in the recent past (odds ratio (OR) 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-93.4, P = 0.016)), history of heavy rains occurring in the last 2 weeks preceding an outbreak (OR 13.1, 95% CI 1.2-147.1, P = 0.037) and disposing of dead animal into nearby water body (OR 11.9, 95% CI 1.0-145.3, P = 0.052) were independent risk factors for anthrax in cattle in the country.
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Epidemiological and comparative genomic analysis of Bacillus anthracis isolated from northern Vietnam. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228116. [PMID: 32084143 PMCID: PMC7034820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the epidemiological and genetic background of anthrax cases occurring in Vietnam from 2011 to 2015, we surveilled and genetically analyzed Bacillus anthracis isolated in the north of the country. Epidemiological surveillance showed that most human cutaneous anthrax cases occurred in association with animal dissection. Whole-genome sequences were obtained from six B. anthracis strains from human patients with cutaneous anthrax in the endemic area. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the genetic homogeneity among Vietnamese B. anthracis strains was very high. All Vietnamese B. anthracis strains belonged to the canSNP lineage of A.Br.011/009, which mostly consists of strains of the trans-Eurasian (TEA) group, including the most closely related strain, Carbosap. To clarify the genetic diversity of Vietnamese strains and strains belonging to A.Br.011/009 and A.Br.008/011 canSNP lineages, we applied a reference genome-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and gene-by-gene genomic analysis (whole-genome MLST) strategy. The phylogeny from core genome SNPs revealed that the Vietnamese strains were positioned close to each other; moreover, several SNPs specific to Vietnamese B. anthracis were identified. Whole-genome MLST analysis revealed the differences in the number of SNPs between Vietnamese strains, which could enable discrimination at the strain level.
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Griffin DW, Lisle JT, Feldhake D, Silvestri EE. Colony-Forming Unit Spreadplate Assay versus Liquid Culture Enrichment-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of Bacillus Endospores in Soils. GEOSCIENCES 2019; 10:5. [PMID: 33408883 PMCID: PMC7784721 DOI: 10.3390/geosciences10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A liquid culture enrichment-polymerase chain reaction (E-PCR) assay was investigated as a potential tool to overcome inhibition by chemical component, debris, and background biological impurities in soil that were affecting detection assay performance for soil samples containing Bacillus atrophaeus subsp. globigii (a surrogate for B. anthracis). To evaluate this assay, 9 g of matched sets of three different soil types (loamy sand [sand], sandy loam [loam] and clay) was spiked with 0, ~4.5, 45, 225, 675 and 1350 endospores. One matched set was evaluated using a previously published endospore concentration and colony-forming unit spreadplate (CFU-S) assay and the other matched set was evaluated using an E-PCR assay to investigate differences in limits of detection between the two assays. Data illustrated that detection using the CFU-S assay at the 45-endospore spike level started to become sporadic whereas the E-PCR assay produced repeatable detection at the ~4.5-endospore spike concentration. The E-PCR produced an ~2-log increase in sensitivity and required slightly less time to complete than the CFU-S assay. This study also investigated differences in recovery among pure and blended sand and clay soils and found potential activation of B. anthracis in predominately clay-based soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale W. Griffin
- St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 600 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33772, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-274-3566; Fax: +1-727-502-8001
| | - John T. Lisle
- St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 600 4th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33772, USA
| | - David Feldhake
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 46 East Hollister St., Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Erin E. Silvestri
- Homeland Security and Materials Management Division, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, MS NG16, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
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Schelkle B, Choi Y, Baillie LW, Richter W, Buyuk F, Celik E, Wendling M, Sahin M, Gallagher T. Caenorhabditis elegans Predation on Bacillus anthracis: Decontamination of Spore Contaminated Soil with Germinants and Nematodes. Front Microbiol 2018; 8:2601. [PMID: 29379472 PMCID: PMC5770795 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Remediation of Bacillus anthracis-contaminated soil is challenging and approaches to reduce overall spore levels in environmentally contaminated soil or after intentional release of the infectious disease agent in a safe, low-cost manner are needed. B. anthracis spores are highly resistant to biocides, but once germinated they become susceptible to traditional biocides or potentially even natural predators such as nematodes in the soil environment. Here, we describe a two-step approach to reducing B. anthracis spore load in soil during laboratory trials, whereby germinants and Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes are applied concurrently. While the application of germinants reduced B. anthracis spore load by up to four logs depending on soil type, the addition of nematodes achieved a further log reduction in spore count. These laboratory based results suggest that the combined use of nematodes and germinants could represent a promising approach for the remediation of B. anthracis spore contaminated soil. Originality-Significance Statement: This study demonstrates for the first time the successful use of environmentally friendly decontamination methods to inactivate Bacillus anthracis spores in soil using natural predators of the bacterium, nematode worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Schelkle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Young Choi
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Leslie W Baillie
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - William Richter
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Fatih Buyuk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
| | - Elif Celik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
| | - Morgan Wendling
- Battelle Biomedical Research Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mitat Sahin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey
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Mwakapeje ER, Høgset S, Fyumagwa R, Nonga HE, Mdegela RH, Skjerve E. Anthrax outbreaks in the humans - livestock and wildlife interface areas of Northern Tanzania: a retrospective record review 2006-2016. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:106. [PMID: 29304765 PMCID: PMC5755297 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-5007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax outbreaks in Tanzania have been reported from the human, livestock and wildlife sectors over several years, and is among the notifiable diseases. Despite frequent anthrax outbreaks, there is no comprehensive dataset indicating the magnitude and distribution of the disease in susceptible species. This study is a retrospective review of anthrax outbreaks from the human, livestock, and wildlife surveillance systems from 2006 to 2016. The objectives were to identify hotspot districts, describe anthrax epidemiology in the hotspot areas, evaluate the efficiency of the anthrax response systems and identify potential areas for further observational studies. Methods We prepared a spreadsheet template for a retrospective comprehensive record review at different surveillance levels in Tanzania. We captured data elements including demographic characteristics of different species, the name of health facility, and date of anthrax diagnosis. Also, we collected data on the date of specimen collection, species screened, type of laboratory test, laboratory results and the outcome recorded at the end of treatment in humans. After establishing the database, we produced maps in Quantum GIS software and transferred cleaned data to Stata software for supportive statistical analysis. Results Anthrax reported incidences over 4 years in humans were much higher in the Arusha region (7.88/100,000) followed by Kilimanjaro region (6.64/100,000) than other regions of Tanzania Mainland. The health facility based review from hotspot districts in parts of Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions from 2006 to 2016, identified 330 human anthrax cases from the selected health facilities in the two regions. Out of 161 livestock and 57 wildlife specimen tested, 103 and 18 respectively, were positive for anthrax. Conclusion This study revealed that there is gross under-reporting in the existing surveillance systems which is an obstacle for estimating a true burden of anthrax in the hotspot districts. Repeated occurrences of anthrax in livestock, wildlife and humans in the same locations at the same time calls for the need to strengthen links and promote inter–disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to enhance prevention and control measures under a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elibariki Reuben Mwakapeje
- Epidemiology and Diseases Control Section, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, P. O. Box. 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box. 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania. .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box. 8146 Dep., N -, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sol Høgset
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box. 8146 Dep., N -, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert Fyumagwa
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), P. O. Box. 661, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Hezron Emmanuel Nonga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box. 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Robinson Hammerthon Mdegela
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box. 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box. 8146 Dep., N -, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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15
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More S, Bøtner A, Butterworth A, Calistri P, Depner K, Edwards S, Garin-Bastuji B, Good M, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda MA, Nielsen SS, Raj M, Sihvonen L, Spoolder H, Stegeman JA, Thulke HH, Velarde A, Willeberg P, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Dhollander S, Beltrán-Beck B, Kohnle L, Morgado J, Bicout D. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): anthrax. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04958. [PMID: 32625603 PMCID: PMC7009935 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on the eligibility of anthrax to be listed, Article 9 for the categorisation of anthrax according to disease prevention and control rules as in Annex IV and Article 8 on the list of animal species related to anthrax. The assessment has been performed following a methodology composed of information collection and compilation, expert judgement on each criterion at individual and, if no consensus was reached before, also at collective level. The output is composed of the categorical answer, and for the questions where no consensus was reached, the different supporting views are reported. Details on the methodology used for this assessment are explained in a separate opinion. According to the assessment performed, anthrax can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention as laid down in Article 5(3) of the AHL. The disease would comply with the criteria as in Sections 4 and 5 of Annex IV of the AHL, for the application of the disease prevention and control rules referred to in points (d) and (e) of Article 9(1). The animal species to be listed for anthrax according to Article 8(3) are several species of mammals, birds and reptiles, and susceptible herbivores and pigs as reservoir.
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Rume FI, Ahsan CR, Biswas PK, Yasmin M, Braun P, Walter MC, Antwerpen M, Grass G, Hanczaruk M. Unexpected genomic relationships between Bacillus anthracis strains from Bangladesh and Central Europe. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 45:66-74. [PMID: 27543395 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The zoonosis anthrax caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis has a broad geographical distribution. Active enzootic areas are typically located away from central and northern Europe where cases of the disease occur only sporadically and in limited numbers. In contrast, a few out of the 64 districts of Bangladesh are hyper-endemic for anthrax and there the disease causes major losses in live-stock. In this study we genotyped eight strains of B. anthracis collected from the districts of Sirajganj and Tangail in 2013. All these strains belonged to canSNP group A.Br.001/002 Sterne differing only in a few of 31 tandem-repeat (MLVA)-markers. Whole genome sequences were obtained from five of these strains and compared with genomic information of B. anthracis strains originating from various geographical locations. Characteristic signatures were detected defining two "Bangladesh" clusters potentially useful for rapid molecular epidemiology. From this data high-resolution PCR assays were developed and subsequently tested on additional isolates from Bangladesh and Central Europe. Remarkably, this comparative genomic analysis focusing on SNP-discovery revealed a close genetic relationship between these strains from Bangladesh and historic strains collected between 1991 and 2008 in The Netherlands and Germany, respectively. Possible explanations for these phylogenetic relationships are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Islam Rume
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; Department of Microbiology & Public Health, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Khanpura, Babugonj, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | | | - Paritosh Kumar Biswas
- Department of Microbiology & Veterinary Public Health, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmuda Yasmin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Peter Braun
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany.
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Genome Sequence of Bacillus anthracis Strain Tangail-1 from Bangladesh. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/4/e00748-16. [PMID: 27469968 PMCID: PMC4966472 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00748-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Soil was collected in July 2013 at a site where a cow infected with anthrax had been the month before. Selective culturing yielded Bacillus anthracis strain Tangail-1. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this Bacillus anthracis isolate that belongs to the canonical A.Br.001/002 clade.
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18
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Rume FI, Affuso A, Serrecchia L, Rondinone V, Manzulli V, Campese E, Di Taranto P, Biswas PK, Ahsan CR, Yasmin M, Fasanella A, Hugh-Jones M. Genotype Analysis of Bacillus anthracis Strains Circulating in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153548. [PMID: 27082248 PMCID: PMC4833350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Bangladesh, anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is considered an endemic disease affecting ruminants with sporadic zoonotic occurrences in humans. Due to the lack of knowledge about risks from an incorrect removal of infected carcasses, the disease is not properly monitored, and because of the socio-economic conditions, the situation is under-reported and under-diagnosed. For sensitive species, anthrax represents a fatal outcome with sudden death and sometimes bleeding from natural orifices. The most common source of infection for ruminants is ingestion of spores during grazing in contaminated pastures or through grass and water contaminated with anthrax spores. Domestic cattle, sheep and goats can also become infected through contaminated bone meal (used as feed) originating from anthrax-infected carcasses. The present investigation was conducted to isolate B. anthracis organisms from 169 samples (73 soil, 1 tissue, 4 bone and 91 bone meal samples) collected from 12 different districts of Bangladesh. The sampling was carried out from 2012 to 2015. Twelve samples resulted positive for B. anthracis. Biomolecular analyses were conducted starting from the Canonical Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (CanSNP) to analyze the phylogenetic origin of strains. The analysis of genotype, obtained through the Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) with the analysis of 15 Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR), demonstrated four different genotypes: two of them were previously identified in the district of Sirajganj. The sub-genotyping, conducted with Single Nucleotide Repeats analysis, revealed the presence of eight subgenotypes. The data of the present study concluded that there was no observed correlation between imported cattle feed and anthrax occurrence in Bangladesh and that the remarkable genetic variations of B. anthracis were found in the soil of numerous outbreaks in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Islam Rume
- Department of Microbiology, Dhaka University. Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology & Virology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Alessia Affuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Luigina Serrecchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Valeria Rondinone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Viviana Manzulli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Campese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Pietro Di Taranto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paritosh Kumar Biswas
- Department of Microbiology & Veterinary Public Health, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mahmuda Yasmin
- Department of Microbiology, Dhaka University. Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Antonio Fasanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Martin Hugh-Jones
- School of the Coast & Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, United States of America
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Grass G, Ahrens B, Schleenbecker U, Dobrzykowski L, Wagner M, Krüger C, Wölfel R. Technical Note: Simple, scalable, and sensitive protocol for retrieving Bacillus anthracis (and other live bacteria) from heroin. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 259:32-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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Braun P, Grass G, Aceti A, Serrecchia L, Affuso A, Marino L, Grimaldi S, Pagano S, Hanczaruk M, Georgi E, Northoff B, Schöler A, Schloter M, Antwerpen M, Fasanella A. Microevolution of Anthrax from a Young Ancestor (M.A.Y.A.) Suggests a Soil-Borne Life Cycle of Bacillus anthracis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135346. [PMID: 26266934 PMCID: PMC4534099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During an anthrax outbreak at the Pollino National Park (Basilicata, Italy) in 2004, diseased cattle were buried and from these anthrax-foci Bacillus anthracis endospores still diffuse to the surface resulting in local accumulations. Recent data suggest that B. anthracis multiplies in soil outside the animal-host body. This notion is supported by the frequent isolation of B. anthracis from soil lacking one or both virulence plasmids. Such strains represent an evolutionary dead end, as they are likely no longer able to successfully infect new hosts. This loss of virulence plasmids is explained most simply by postulating a soil-borne life cycle of the pathogen. To test this hypothesis we investigated possible microevolution at two natural anthrax foci from the 2004 outbreak. If valid, then genotypes of strains isolated from near the surface at these foci should be on a different evolutionary trajectory from those below residing in deeper-laying horizons close to the carcass. Thus, the genetic diversity of B. anthracis isolates was compared conducting Progressive Hierarchical Resolving Assays using Nucleic Acids (PHRANA) and next generation Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). PHRANA was not discriminatory enough to resolve the fine genetic relationships between the isolates. Conversely, WGS of nine isolates from near-surface and nine from near-carcass revealed five isolate specific SNPs, four of which were found only in different near-surface isolates. In support of our hypothesis, one surface-isolate lacked plasmid pXO1 and also harbored one of the unique SNPs. Taken together, our results suggest a limited soil-borne life cycle of B. anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Braun
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Chair for Soil Ecology, Freising, Germany
| | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Angela Aceti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigina Serrecchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessia Affuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Marino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Grimaldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Pagano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Georgi
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Northoff
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
- Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Schöler
- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit for Environmental Genomics, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Chair for Soil Ecology, Freising, Germany
- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit for Environmental Genomics, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Antonio Fasanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Foggia, Italy
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21
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Ogawa H, Fujikura D, Ohnuma M, Ohnishi N, Hang'ombe BM, Mimuro H, Ezaki T, Mweene AS, Higashi H. A novel multiplex PCR discriminates Bacillus anthracis and its genetically related strains from other Bacillus cereus group species. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122004. [PMID: 25774512 PMCID: PMC4361551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is an important zoonotic disease worldwide that is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming pathogenic bacterium. A rapid and sensitive method to detect B. anthracis is important for anthrax risk management and control in animal cases to address public health issues. However, it has recently become difficult to identify B. anthracis by using previously reported molecular-based methods because of the emergence of B. cereus, which causes severe extra-intestinal infection, as well as the human pathogenic B. thuringiensis, both of which are genetically related to B. anthracis. The close genetic relation of chromosomal backgrounds has led to complexity of molecular-based diagnosis. In this study, we established a B. anthracis multiplex PCR that can screen for the presence of B. anthracis virulent plasmids and differentiate B. anthracis and its genetically related strains from other B. cereus group species. Six sets of primers targeting a chromosome of B. anthracis and B. anthracis-like strains, two virulent plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2, a bacterial gene, 16S rRNA gene, and a mammalian gene, actin-beta gene, were designed. The multiplex PCR detected approximately 3.0 CFU of B. anthracis DNA per PCR reaction and was sensitive to B. anthracis. The internal control primers also detected all bacterial and mammalian DNAs examined, indicating the practical applicability of this assay as it enables monitoring of appropriate amplification. The assay was also applied for detection of clinical strains genetically related to B. anthracis, which were B. cereus strains isolated from outbreaks of hospital infections in Japan, and field strains isolated in Zambia, and the assay differentiated B. anthracis and its genetically related strains from other B. cereus group strains. Taken together, the results indicate that the newly developed multiplex PCR is a sensitive and practical method for detecting B. anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito Ogawa
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daisuke Fujikura
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Ohnuma
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naomi Ohnishi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Bernard M. Hang'ombe
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hitomi Mimuro
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Pathogenic Microbes Repository Unit, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ezaki
- Department of Microbiology, Regeneration and Advanced Medical Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Aaron S. Mweene
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hideaki Higashi
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Jończyk-Matysiak E, Kłak M, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Borysowski J, Górski A. Possible use of bacteriophages active against Bacillus anthracis and other B. cereus group members in the face of a bioterrorism threat. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:735413. [PMID: 25247187 PMCID: PMC4163355 DOI: 10.1155/2014/735413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax is an infectious fatal disease with epidemic potential. Nowadays, bioterrorism using Bacillus anthracis is a real possibility, and thus society needs an effective weapon to neutralize this threat. The pathogen may be easily transmitted to human populations. It is easy to store, transport, and disseminate and may survive for many decades. Recent data strongly support the effectiveness of bacteriophage in treating bacterial diseases. Moreover, it is clear that bacteriophages should be considered a potential incapacitative agent against bioterrorism using bacteria belonging to B. cereus group, especially B. anthracis. Therefore, we have reviewed the possibility of using bacteriophages active against Bacillus anthracis and other species of the B. cereus group in the face of a bioterrorism threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Kłak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
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Recent literature review of soil processing methods for recovery of Bacillus anthracis spores. ANN MICROBIOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-014-0932-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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