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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Ashenefe Wassie B, Fantaw S, Mekonene Y, Teshale AM, Yitagesu Y, Tsige E, Getahun D, Tasew G, Abichu G, Moges B, Abate E, Abayneh T, Zeru T, Belay Z, Mor SM. First PCR Confirmed anthrax outbreaks in Ethiopia—Amhara region, 2018–2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010181. [PMID: 35143510 PMCID: PMC8865639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Anthrax is a disease that affects humans and animals. In Ethiopia, anthrax is a reportable disease and assumed to be endemic, although laboratory confirmation has not been routinely performed until recently. We describe the findings from the investigation of two outbreaks in Amhara region.
Methods
Following reports of suspected outbreaks in Wag Hamra zone (Outbreak 1) and South Gondar zone (Outbreak 2), multi-sectoral teams involving both animal and public health officials were deployed to investigate and establish control programs. A suspect case was defined as: sudden death with rapid bloating or bleeding from orifice(s) with unclotted blood (animals); and signs compatible with cutaneous, ingestion, or inhalation anthrax ≤7 days after exposure to a suspect animal (humans). Suspect human cases were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Samples were collected from humans with suspected anthrax (Outbreak 1 and Outbreak 2) as well as dried meat of suspect animal cases (Outbreak 2). A case was confirmed if a positive test was returned using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Results
In Outbreak 1, a total of 49 cows died due to suspected anthrax and 22 humans developed symptoms consistent with cutaneous anthrax (40% attack rate), two of whom died due to suspected ingestion anthrax. Three people were confirmed to have anthrax by qPCR. In Outbreak 2, anthrax was suspected to have caused the deaths of two livestock animals and one human. Subsequent investigation revealed 18 suspected cases of cutaneous anthrax in humans (27% attack rate). None of the 12 human samples collected tested positive, however, a swab taken from the dried meat of one animal case (goat) was positive by qPCR.
Conclusion
We report the first qPCR-confirmed outbreaks of anthrax in Ethiopia. Both outbreaks were controlled through active case finding, carcass management, ring vaccination of livestock, training of health professionals and outreach with livestock owners. Human and animal health authorities should work together using a One Health approach to improve case reporting and vaccine coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Surafel Fantaw
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Mekonene
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | - Geremew Tasew
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Beyene Moges
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ebba Abate
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Taye Zeru
- Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdu Belay
- Amhara Livestock Resource Development and Promotion Agency, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Siobhan M. Mor
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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3
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Otieno FT, Gachohi J, Gikuma-Njuru P, Kariuki P, Oyas H, Canfield SA, Blackburn JK, Njenga MK, Bett B. Modeling the spatial distribution of anthrax in southern Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009301. [PMID: 33780459 PMCID: PMC8032196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax is an important zoonotic disease in Kenya associated with high animal and public health burden and widespread socio-economic impacts. The disease occurs in sporadic outbreaks that involve livestock, wildlife, and humans, but knowledge on factors that affect the geographic distribution of these outbreaks is limited, challenging public health intervention planning. METHODS Anthrax surveillance data reported in southern Kenya from 2011 to 2017 were modeled using a boosted regression trees (BRT) framework. An ensemble of 100 BRT experiments was developed using a variable set of 18 environmental covariates and 69 unique anthrax locations. Model performance was evaluated using AUC (area under the curve) ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves. RESULTS Cattle density, rainfall of wettest month, soil clay content, soil pH, soil organic carbon, length of longest dry season, vegetation index, temperature seasonality, in order, were identified as key variables for predicting environmental suitability for anthrax in the region. BRTs performed well with a mean AUC of 0.8. Areas highly suitable for anthrax were predicted predominantly in the southwestern region around the shared Kenya-Tanzania border and a belt through the regions and highlands in central Kenya. These suitable regions extend westwards to cover large areas in western highlands and the western regions around Lake Victoria and bordering Uganda. The entire eastern and lower-eastern regions towards the coastal region were predicted to have lower suitability for anthrax. CONCLUSION These modeling efforts identified areas of anthrax suitability across southern Kenya, including high and medium agricultural potential regions and wildlife parks, important for tourism and foreign exchange. These predictions are useful for policy makers in designing targeted surveillance and/or control interventions in Kenya. We thank the staff of Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, for collecting and providing the anthrax historical occurrence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Tom Otieno
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - John Gachohi
- Washington State University, Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Gikuma-Njuru
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Patrick Kariuki
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Harry Oyas
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Unit, Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel A. Canfield
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Bernard Bett
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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5
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Salgado JRS, Rabinovitch L, Gomes MDFDS, Allil RCDSB, Werneck MM, Rodrigues RB, Picão RC, de Oliveira Luiz FB, Vivoni AM. Detection of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus anthracis-like spores in soil from state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200370. [PMID: 33174903 PMCID: PMC7646210 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus anthracis is the aetiologic agent of anthrax, a re-emerging, septicaemic, haemorrhagic and lethal disease that affects humans, domestic ruminants and wildlife. Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 are attributes that confer pathogenicity to B. anthracis strains. This bacterium was used as biological weapon in the World Wars and in the biological attack in the United States of America at 2001. B. anthracis is classified as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. Anthrax is recognised as a re-emerging disease. Several studies concerning the dynamics of B. anthracis cycle in soil revealed that nonpathogenic B. anthracis strains due to lack of pXO2 plasmid are commonly found in some types of soil. OBJECTIVES This study aimed isolation and identification of B. anthracis spores in soil samples of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS Phenotypic and genotypic approaches were used to identify isolates including MALDI-TOF/MS, motility test, susceptibility to gamma phage and penicillin, survey for pag and cap genes as surrogates of pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids, respectively, and sequencing of 16SrRNA-encoding gene. Physicochemical analysis of the soil samples were carried out to describe soil characteristics. FINDINGS We observed the presence of one B. anthracis pXO1+ and pXO2- isolated from clay loam soil; one B. anthracis-like strain pXO1+ and pXO2-isolated from loamy sand; and 10 Bacillus spp. strains sensitive to phage-gamma that need better characterisation to define which their species were recovered from loamy sand. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work showed promising results and it was the first study to report results from an active surveillance for B. anthracis in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline RS Salgado
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Leon Rabinovitch
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria de Fátima dos S Gomes
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Regina Celia da SB Allil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Fotônica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Martins Werneck
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Fotônica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rafael B Rodrigues
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renata C Picão
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Baptista de Oliveira Luiz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Adriana M Vivoni
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Aminu OR, Lembo T, Zadoks RN, Biek R, Lewis S, Kiwelu I, Mmbaga BT, Mshanga D, Shirima G, Denwood M, Forde TL. Practical and effective diagnosis of animal anthrax in endemic low-resource settings. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008655. [PMID: 32925904 PMCID: PMC7513992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax threatens human and animal health, and people's livelihoods in many rural communities in Africa and Asia. In these areas, anthrax surveillance is challenged by a lack of tools for on-site detection. Furthermore, cultural practices and infrastructure may affect sample availability and quality. Practical yet accurate diagnostic solutions are greatly needed to quantify anthrax impacts. We validated microscopic and molecular methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis in field-collected blood smears and identified alternative samples suitable for anthrax confirmation in the absence of blood smears. We investigated livestock mortalities suspected to be caused by anthrax in northern Tanzania. Field-prepared blood smears (n = 152) were tested by microscopy using four staining techniques as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Bayesian latent class analysis. Median sensitivity (91%, CI 95% [84-96%]) and specificity (99%, CI 95% [96-100%]) of microscopy using azure B were comparable to those of the recommended standard, polychrome methylene blue, PMB (92%, CI 95% [84-97%] and 98%, CI 95% [95-100%], respectively), but azure B is more available and convenient. Other commonly-used stains performed poorly. Blood smears could be obtained for <50% of suspected anthrax cases due to local customs and conditions. However, PCR on DNA extracts from skin, which was almost always available, had high sensitivity and specificity (95%, CI 95% [90-98%] and 95%, CI 95% [87-99%], respectively), even after extended storage at ambient temperature. Azure B microscopy represents an accurate diagnostic test for animal anthrax that can be performed with basic laboratory infrastructure and in the field. When blood smears are unavailable, PCR using skin tissues provides a valuable alternative for confirmation. Our findings lead to a practical diagnostic approach for anthrax in low-resource settings that can support surveillance and control efforts for anthrax-endemic countries globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubunmi R. Aminu
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanna Lewis
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Gabriel Shirima
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Matt Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Taya L. Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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7
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Li X, Zhao J, Zhu Y, Wang B, Wei X, Shao Y, Ma Y, Jiang T. Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent response for anthrax bio-indicator: A combination of rare earth MOF and rhodamine-derived dye. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2020; 229:117999. [PMID: 31935655 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis spores have a unique biomarker of calcium dipicolinate (CaDPA). In this work, we reported a composite nanostructure for the optical sensing of DPA, with Eu (III)-doped metal-organic framework (MOF) as supporting lattice, a rhodamine-derived dye as sensing probe, respectively. By means of XRD, IR, TGA and photophysical analysis, this composite structure was carefully discussed. It was found that rhodamine absorption and emission were enhanced by DPA, while Eu emission was quenched by DPA. As a consequence, two sensing skills were observed from this composite structure, which are colorimetric sensing based on absorption spectra and ratiometric fluorescent sensing based on emission spectra. Linear sensing response was observed for both sensing channels with a warning signal at DPA concentration higher than 140 μM. Good selectivity was confirmed with a low LOD value of 0.52 μM. The sensing mechanism was revealed as the combination of emission turn-on effect triggered by DPA-released protons and emission turn-off effect originated from electron-transfer from EuBTC to DPA. This composite structure showed its advantage of naked eye detection and two sensing skills with linear response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China.
| | - Jianying Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, PR China
| | - Yanyan Zhu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Binglian Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250103, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wei
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Shao
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Yongshan Ma
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
| | - Tianyi Jiang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, PR China
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8
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Romero-Alvarez D, Peterson AT, Salzer JS, Pittiglio C, Shadomy S, Traxler R, Vieira AR, Bower WA, Walke H, Campbell LP. Potential distributions of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis causing anthrax in Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008131. [PMID: 32150557 PMCID: PMC7082064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) is an emergent bacterium closely related to Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax. The latter has a worldwide distribution and usually causes infectious disease in mammals associated with savanna ecosystems. Bcbva was identified in humid tropical forests of Côte d'Ivoire in 2001. Here, we characterize the potential geographic distributions of Bcbva in West Africa and B. anthracis in sub-Saharan Africa using an ecological niche modeling approach. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Georeferenced occurrence data for B. anthracis and Bcbva were obtained from public data repositories and the scientific literature. Combinations of temperature, humidity, vegetation greenness, and soils values served as environmental variables in model calibrations. To predict the potential distribution of suitable environments for each pathogen across the study region, parameter values derived from the median of 10 replicates of the best-performing model for each pathogen were used. We found suitable environments predicted for B. anthracis across areas of confirmed and suspected anthrax activity in sub-Saharan Africa, including an east-west corridor from Ethiopia to Sierra Leone in the Sahel region and multiple areas in eastern, central, and southern Africa. The study area for Bcbva was restricted to West and Central Africa to reflect areas that have likely been accessible to Bcbva by dispersal. Model predicted values indicated potential suitable environments within humid forested environments. Background similarity tests in geographic space indicated statistical support to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with B. anthracis to those of Bcbva and when comparing humidity values and soils values individually. We failed to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with Bcbva to those of B. anthracis, suggesting that additional investigation is needed to provide a more robust characterization of the Bcbva niche. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study represents the first time that the environmental and geographic distribution of Bcbva has been mapped. We document likely differences in ecological niche-and consequently in geographic distribution-between Bcbva and typical B. anthracis, and areas of possible co-occurrence between the two. We provide information crucial to guiding and improving monitoring efforts focused on these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Claudia Pittiglio
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Sean Shadomy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
- One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rita Traxler
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Antonio R. Vieira
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William A. Bower
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Henry Walke
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lindsay P. Campbell
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS | University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
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McLaughlin HP, Bugrysheva JV, Conley AB, Gulvik CA, Cherney B, Kolton CB, Marston CK, Saile E, Swaney E, Lonsway D, Gargis AS, Kongphet-Tran T, Lascols C, Michel P, Villanueva J, Hoffmaster AR, Gee JE, Sue D. Rapid Nanopore Whole-Genome Sequencing for Anthrax Emergency Preparedness. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:358-361. [PMID: 31961318 PMCID: PMC6986837 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.191351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human anthrax cases necessitate rapid response. We completed Bacillus anthracis nanopore whole-genome sequencing in our high-containment laboratory from a human anthrax isolate hours after receipt. The de novo assembled genome showed no evidence of known antimicrobial resistance genes or introduced plasmid(s). Same-day genomic characterization enhances public health emergency response.
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10
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Liu Y, Li Y, Wang Q, Fu J, Ji F. Sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Shaanxi Province, China: report of two cases from 2018. Braz J Infect Dis 2020; 24:81-84. [PMID: 31926898 PMCID: PMC9392022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
China’s compulsory annual livestock anthrax vaccination policy has remarkably reduced but not completely eradicated human anthrax infections. Herein we describe a sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak involving two cases in 2018 in Shaanxi Province, both involving herdsman who dealt with unvaccinated and potentially sick cattle. Both patients showed Bacillus anthracis-positive blister smear and blood culture. Treatment with penicillin was followed by uneventful recovery for both. The prompt performance of the prophylactic measures successfully interrupted the further transmission of this sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongqin Li
- The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiaoxia Wang
- The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianjun Fu
- The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, China.
| | - Fanpu Ji
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, China; Xi'an Jiaotong University, The Second Affiliated Hospital, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, Xi'an, China; Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, China.
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11
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Timofeev V, Bahtejeva I, Mironova R, Titareva G, Lev I, Christiany D, Borzilov A, Bogun A, Vergnaud G. Insights from Bacillus anthracis strains isolated from permafrost in the tundra zone of Russia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209140. [PMID: 31116737 DOI: 10.1101/486290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article describes Bacillus anthracis strains isolated during an outbreak of anthrax on the Yamal Peninsula in the summer of 2016 and independently in Yakutia in 2015. A common feature of these strains is their conservation in permafrost, from which they were extracted either due to the thawing of permafrost (Yamal strains) or as the result of paleontological excavations (Yakut strains). All strains isolated on the Yamal share an identical genotype belonging to lineage B.Br.001/002, pointing to a common source of infection in a territory over 250 km in length. In contrast, during the excavations in Yakutia, three genetically different strains were recovered from a single pit. One strain belongs to B.Br.001/002, and whole genome sequence analysis showed that it is most closely related to the Yamal strains in spite of the remoteness of Yamal from Yakutia. The two other strains contribute to two different branches of A.Br.008/011, one of the remarkable polytomies described so far in the B. anthracis species. The geographic distribution of the strains belonging to A.Br.008/011 is suggesting that the polytomy emerged in the thirteenth century, in combination with the constitution of a unified Mongol empire extending from China to Eastern Europe. We propose an evolutionary model for B. anthracis recent evolution in which the B lineage spread throughout Eurasia and was subsequently replaced by the A lineage except in some geographically isolated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Timofeev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Irina Bahtejeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Raisa Mironova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Galina Titareva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Igor Lev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - David Christiany
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Alexander Borzilov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander Bogun
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
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12
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Gomez JP, Nekorchuk DM, Mao L, Ryan SJ, Ponciano JM, Blackburn JK. Decoupling environmental effects and host population dynamics for anthrax, a classic reservoir-driven disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208621. [PMID: 30540815 PMCID: PMC6291251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative models describing environmentally-mediated disease transmission rarely focus on the independent contribution of recruitment and the environment on the force of infection driving outbreaks. In this study we attempt to investigate the interaction between external factors and host’s population dynamics in determining the outbreaks of some indirectly transmitted diseases. We first built deterministic and stochastic compartmental models based on anthrax which were parameterized using information from literature and complemented with field observations. Our force of infection function was derived modeling the number of successful transmission encounters as a pure birth process that depends on the pathogen’s dispersion effort. After accounting for individual heterogeneity in pathogen’s dispersion effort, we allowed the force of infection to vary seasonally according to external factors recreating a scenario in which disease transmission increases in response to an environmental variable. Using simulations we demonstrate that anthrax disease dynamics in mid-latitude grasslands is decoupled from hosts population dynamics. When seasonal forcing was ignored, outbreaks matched hosts reproductive events, a scenario that is not realistic in nature. Instead, when allowing the force of infection to vary seasonally, outbreaks were only present in years were environmental variables were appropriate for the outbreaks to develop. We used the stochastic formulation of the force of infection to derive R0 under scenarios with different assumptions. The derivation of R0 allowed us to conclude that during epizootic years, pathogen contribution to disease persistence is nearly independent of dispersion. In endemic years, only pathogens with high dispersion significantly prevent disease extinction. Finally, we used our model in a maximum likelihood framework to estimate the parameters that determined a significant anthrax outbreak in Montana in 2008. Our study highlights the importance of the environment in determining anthrax outbreak intensity and could be useful to predict future events that could result in significant wildlife and domestic livestock losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Gomez
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Dawn M. Nekorchuk
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Liang Mao
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sadie J. Ryan
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation Lab, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - José Miguel Ponciano
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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EKEBAS G, ATASEVER A, GRAM DY, KARAKAYA E, ABAY S, AYDIN F, GUMUSSOY KS, SAHIN M. A case of Anthrax in two captive pumas (Puma concolor). J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1875-1880. [PMID: 30369586 PMCID: PMC6305515 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to report anthrax cases in two pumas, brought to the Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University for suspected poisoning upon their sudden death at the Kayseri Zoo, in Turkey. In the necropsy, enlargement and malacia were observed in the spleens. The cut surfaces of the spleens were in extreme red-blackish color. Bacillus anthracis was isolated as a pure culture from both samples which belong to dead pumas. B. anthracis isolates had pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids. Both isolates were found to be sensitive to eight antibacterials tested. This study demonstrates that feeding of the wild carnivorous kept in any zoo with the appropriate meats which belongs to healthy animals is extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkem EKEBAS
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ayhan ATASEVER
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Duygu Yaman GRAM
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emre KARAKAYA
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Secil ABAY
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fuat AYDIN
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Kadir Semih GUMUSSOY
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Erciyes
University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mitat SAHIN
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, Kafkas
University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
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Driciru M, Rwego IB, Asiimwe B, Travis DA, Alvarez J, VanderWaal K, Pelican K. Spatio-temporal epidemiology of anthrax in Hippopotamus amphibious in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Uganda. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206922. [PMID: 30485342 PMCID: PMC6261556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax is a zoonotic disease primarily of herbivores, caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium with diverse geographical and global distribution. Globally, livestock outbreaks have declined but in Africa significant outbreaks continue to occur with most countries still categorized as enzootic, hyper endemic or sporadic. Uganda experiences sporadic human and livestock cases. Severe large-scale outbreaks occur periodically in hippos (Hippopotamus amphibious) at Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, where in 2004/2005 and 2010 anthrax killed 437 hippos. Ecological drivers of these outbreaks and potential of hippos to maintain anthrax in the ecosystem remain unknown. This study aimed to describe spatio-temporal patterns of anthrax among hippos; examine significant trends associated with case distributions; and generate hypotheses for investigation of ecological drivers of anthrax. METHODS Spatio-temporal patterns of 317 hippo cases in 2004/5 and 137 in 2010 were analyzed. QGIS was used to examine case distributions; Spearman's nonparametric tests to determine correlations between cases and at-risk hippo populations; permutation models of the spatial scan statistics to examine spatio-temporal clustering of cases; directional tests to determine directionality in epidemic movements; and standard epidemic curves to determine patterns of epidemic propagation. KEY FINDINGS Results showed hippopotamus cases extensively distributed along water shorelines with strong positive correlations (p<0.01) between cases and at-risk populations. Significant (p<0.001) spatio-temporal clustering of cases occurred throughout the epidemics, pointing towards a defined source. Significant directional epidemic spread was detected along water flow gradient (206.6°) in 2004/5 and against flow gradient (20.4°) in 2010. Temporal distributions showed clustered pulsed epidemic waves. CONCLUSION These findings suggest mixed point-source propagated pattern of epidemic spread amongst hippos and points to likelihood of indirect spread of anthrax spores between hippos mediated by their social behaviour, forces of water flow, and persistent presence of infectious carcasses amidst schools. This information sheds light on the epidemiology of anthrax in highly social wildlife, can help drive insight into disease control, wildlife conservation, and tourism management, but highlights the need for analytical and longitudinal studies aimed at clarifying the hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Driciru
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Innocent B. Rwego
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Benon Asiimwe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dominic A. Travis
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Julio Alvarez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kimberly VanderWaal
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Katharine Pelican
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
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15
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Zhang H, Zhang E, He J, Li W, Wei J. Genetic characteristics of Bacillus anthracis isolated from northwestern China from 1990 to 2016. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006908. [PMID: 30418972 PMCID: PMC6258423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a global re-emerging zoonotic disease and is an endemic disease in China, especially in rural regions. In this study, the general characteristics of human anthrax outbreaks that occurred in areas of northwestern China over the past decade have been described. Meanwhile, the genetic characteristics of Bacillus anthracis isolated from these areas from 1990 to 2016 were analyzed by means of canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) analysis and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) with 15 markers. Five sublineages/subgroups, namely, A.Br.001/002, A.Br.Vollum, A.Br.Aust94, A.Br.Ames and A.Br.008/009, were detected by using 13 canSNP sites. All of the sublineages were found in Xinjiang province, while one sublineage was found in Shaanxi, two in Gansu, three in Qinghai and four in Inner Mongolia. However, the geographical distribution of the B. anthracis populations exhibited different canSNP characteristics from those of the strains isolated before 1990 in China. In contrast to previous data, the A.Br.Ames subgroup was also observed to be scattered from Inner Mongolia to other provinces. All 106 strains were assigned to 36 MLVA15 genotypes, and 21 of these types were first observed in this study. The strains collected from anthrax outbreaks in recent decade were classified as subgroups A.Br.001/002 and A.Br.Ames and identified as genotypes MLVA15-28, MLVA15-30, MLVA15-31, MLVA15-38, MLVA15-CHN3, and MLVA15-CHN18. By canSNP analysis and MLVA, we found that the diversification of MLVA genotypes and the geographical distribution of B. anthracis populations is gradually becoming balanced across northwestern China. This study also provides preliminary survey results regarding the population diversity of B. anthracis in China, which will help promote the prevention and control of this important disease. In this study, the general characteristics of human anthrax outbreaks that occurred in northwestern China over the past decade were described. Meanwhile, the genetic characteristics of Bacillus anthracis isolated from these areas from 1990 to 2016 were analyzed with the canSNP and MLVA15 methods. Our results showed a diversity of MLVA genotypes. We also observed gradual balancing of the geographical distribution of B. anthracis population in northwestern China according to the canSNP analysis. In particular, the A.Br.Ames subgroup now seems to be scattered from Inner Mongolia to other provinces, in contrast to the data before 1990. This study also provides preliminary survey results on the population diversity of B. anthracis in China, which will help to promote the prevention and control of this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Zhang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Enmin Zhang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong He
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianchun Wei
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Abstract
An anthrax outbreak recently occurred in cattle in a region that had previously been free of the disease for more than two decades. This event followed heavy springtime rains that had caused flooding, and a hot, dry summer. These temporally connected events may indicate a new link between climate change and an increased incidence of bacterial diseases with environmental reservoirs.
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17
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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18
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Verma M, Kaur N, Singh N. Naphthalimide-Based DNA-Coupled Hybrid Assembly for Sensing Dipicolinic Acid: A Biomarker for Bacillus anthracis Spores. Langmuir 2018; 34:6591-6600. [PMID: 29787278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We have designed and synthesized a novel, water-soluble naphthalimide-histidine receptor (1) with excellent fluorescent properties. Functioning of the synthesized receptor was performed through developing their DNA-receptor hybrid assembly (DRHA), which has shown significant changes in the emission profile upon interactions with dipicolinic acid (DPA), a biomarker for Bacillus anthracis spores. DRHA showed fluorescence enhancement upon binding with DPA with the characteristic of internal charge transfer. It is notable that this assembly exhibited a significant limit of detection (12 nM) toward DPA. The mechanism of sensing was fully defined using ethidium bromide (EtBr) interaction studies as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, which describes the binding mode of DRHA with DPA. This assembly selectively interacts with DPA over other anions, common cellular cations, and aromatic acids in aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Verma
- Department of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology Ropar , Rupnagar , Punjab , India
| | - Navneet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry , Panjab University , Chandigarh 160014 , India
| | - Narinder Singh
- Department of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology Ropar , Rupnagar , Punjab , India
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19
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Lehman MW, Craig AS, Malama C, Kapina-Kany’anga M, Malenga P, Munsaka F, Muwowo S, Shadomy S, Marx MA. Role of Food Insecurity in Outbreak of Anthrax Infections among Humans and Hippopotamuses Living in a Game Reserve Area, Rural Zambia. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:1471-1477. [PMID: 28820129 PMCID: PMC5572886 DOI: 10.3201/eid2309.161597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In September 2011, a total of 511 human cases of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) infection and 5 deaths were reported in a game management area in the district of Chama, Zambia, near where 85 hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibious) had recently died of suspected anthrax. The human infections generally responded to antibiotics. To clarify transmission, we conducted a cross-sectional, interviewer-administered household survey in villages where human anthrax cases and hippopotamus deaths were reported. Among 284 respondents, 84% ate hippopotamus meat before the outbreak. Eating, carrying, and preparing meat were associated with anthrax infection. Despite the risk, 23% of respondents reported they would eat meat from hippopotamuses found dead again because of food shortage (73%), lack of meat (12%), hunger (7%), and protein shortage (5%). Chronic food insecurity can lead to consumption of unsafe foods, leaving communities susceptible to zoonotic infection. Interagency cooperation is necessary to prevent outbreaks by addressing the root cause of exposure, such as food insecurity.
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Abstract
Unusual human behavior leads to the emergence of new forms of infectious diseases and new routes of infection. In recent years, a new form of anthrax, called injectional anthrax, emerged and was related to 2 human anthrax outbreaks in Europe. The infection was caused by heroin contaminated with anthrax spores. The new form of anthrax differs from the earlier known "natural" forms of the disease in symptoms, length of the incubation period and recommended treatment. Despite medical treatment, the mortality rate in injectional anthrax is about 35%. This article presents an overview of the forms of anthrax infection in humans, with focus on injectional anthrax syndrome, as well as actual recommendations for treatment, including antibiotic therapy, surgery and possibilities of administering anthrax antitoxin. As a source of contamination of heroin have not been identified and new cases of injectional anthrax might occur again in any country in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra A Zasada
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
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21
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Siqueira FM, Cibulski SP, Mayer FQ, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP, Vargas APCD. Genome sequencing of two Bacillus anthracis strains: a virulent strain and a vaccinal strain. Braz J Microbiol 2018; 49:18-19. [PMID: 28807610 PMCID: PMC5790590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis strain SPV842_15 was isolated from bovine fetus, while B. anthracis strain Brazilian vaccinal was recovered from a commercial vaccine. We report here the genome sequences of both strains. The SPV842_15 genome is composed of a single circular chromosome with a length of 5,228,664 base pairs, and comprises 5911 coding sequences. In turn, the Brazilian vaccinal genome remains in 201 contigs with 5733 coding sequences. Both genomes have an overall C + G content of 35.4%, and 11 genes encoding the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) 5S, 16S and 23S. Only the plasmid pX01 sequence, which carries genes for toxins synthesis, was detected and completely assembled for both strains. These plasmids have a length of 181,684 base pairs and a C + G content of 32.5%. These genomic data generate insights about vaccinal B. anthracis virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Samuel Paulo Cibulski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Quoos Mayer
- Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, El dorado do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Agueda Palmira Castagna de Vargas
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Centro de Ciências Rurais, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Pérez-Tanoira R, Ramos JM, Prieto-Pérez L, Tesfamariam A, Balcha S, Tissiano G, Cabello A, Cuadros J, Rodríguez-Valero N, Barreiro P, Reyes F, Górgolas M. Diagnosis of cutaneous anthrax in resource-poor settings in West Arsi Province, Ethiopia. Ann Agric Environ Med 2017; 24:712-715. [PMID: 29284252 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/80705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which typically presents with ulcers after contact with animals or animal products, and is rarely seen in high-income countries but is common in those with low- and middle-incomes. Objective. The aim of this study is to show the main clinical characteristics of cutaneous anthrax in endemic areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study describes the main clinical characteristics of cutaneous anthrax in eight patients (six female and two male, age range 1 - 56 years) admitted to the rural General Hospital of Gambo, West Arsi Province of Ethiopia from 2010-2013. RESULTS In all cases, lesions began as an erythematous papule located on exposed sites (n=7 head; n=1 thigh) and subsequently became a necrotic black eschar surrounded by an edematous halo. Two patients presented with painful ipsilateral adenopathy near the black eschar. Four patients developed a malignant pustule on the suborbital region of the face. Patients responded positively to treatment, and the lesions resolved, leaving eschars. However, one patient suffered the loss of an eyeball, and another died 12 hours after starting treatment. CONCLUSIONS Physicians working in rural areas of resource-poor settings should be trained in the clinical identification of cutaneous anthrax. Early antibiotic treatment is essential for decreasing morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Seble Balcha
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia.
| | - Gabre Tissiano
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia.
| | - Alfonso Cabello
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia.
| | - Juan Cuadros
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Pablo Barreiro
- Tropical and Travel Medicine Unit. Hospital Carlos III - La Paz. Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Reyes
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia
| | - Miguel Górgolas
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia.
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Hassim A, Dekker EH, Byaruhanga C, Reardon T, Van Heerden H. A retrospective study of anthrax on the Ghaap Plateau, Northern Cape province of South Africa, with special reference to the 2007-2008 outbreaks. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2017; 84:e1-e15. [PMID: 29041790 PMCID: PMC8616768 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v84i1.1414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive, endospore-forming and soil-borne bacterium Bacillus anthracis. When in spore form, the organism can survive in dormancy in the environment for decades. It is a controlled disease of livestock and wild ungulates in South Africa. In South Africa, the two enzootic regions are the Kruger National Park and the Ghaap Plateau in the Northern Cape province. Farms on the Plateau span thousands of hectares comprising of wildlife - livestock mixed use farming. In 2007-2008, anthrax outbreaks in the province led to government officials intervening to aid farmers with control measures aimed at preventing further losses. Because of the ability of the organism to persist in the environment for prolonged periods, an environmental risk or isolation survey was carried out in 2012 to determine the efficacy of control measures employed during the 2007-2008, anthrax outbreaks. No B. anthracis could be isolated from the old carcass sites, even when bone fragments from the carcasses were still clearly evident. This is an indication that the control measures and protocols were apparently successful in stemming the continuity of spore deposits at previously positive carcass sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria.
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Ozanich RM, Colburn HA, Victry KD, Bartholomew RA, Arce JS, Heredia-Langner A, Jarman K, Kreuzer HW, Bruckner-Lea CJ. Evaluation of PCR Systems for Field Screening of Bacillus anthracis. Health Secur 2017; 15:70-80. [PMID: 28192050 PMCID: PMC5314994 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2016.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little published data on the performance of hand-portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems that can be used by first responders to determine if a suspicious powder contains a potential biothreat agent. We evaluated 5 commercially available hand-portable PCR instruments for detection of Bacillus anthracis. We used a cost-effective, statistically based test plan to evaluate systems at performance levels ranging from 0.85-0.95 lower confidence bound (LCB) of the probability of detection (POD) at confidence levels of 80% to 95%. We assessed specificity using purified genomic DNA from 13 B. anthracis strains and 18 Bacillus near neighbors, potential interference with 22 suspicious powders that are commonly encountered in the field by first responders during suspected biothreat incidents, and the potential for PCR inhibition when B. anthracis spores were spiked into these powders. Our results indicate that 3 of the 5 systems achieved 0.95 LCB of the probability of detection with 95% confidence levels at test concentrations of 2,000 genome equivalents/mL (GE/mL), which is comparable to 2,000 spores/mL. This is more than sufficient sensitivity for screening visible suspicious powders. These systems exhibited no false-positive results or PCR inhibition with common suspicious powders and reliably detected B. anthracis spores spiked into these powders, though some issues with assay controls were observed. Our testing approach enables efficient performance testing using a statistically rigorous and cost-effective test plan to generate performance data that allow users to make informed decisions regarding the purchase and use of field biodetection equipment. The authors evaluated 5 commercially available hand-portable PCR instruments for detecting Bacillus anthracis. These systems exhibited no false-positive results or PCR inhibition with common suspicious powders and reliably detected B. anthracis spores spiked into these powders, though some issues with assay controls were observed.
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Ramage JG, Prentice KW, DePalma L, Venkateswaran KS, Chivukula S, Chapman C, Bell M, Datta S, Singh A, Hoffmaster A, Sarwar J, Parameswaran N, Joshi M, Thirunavkkarasu N, Krishnan V, Morse S, Avila JR, Sharma S, Estacio PL, Stanker L, Hodge DR, Pillai SP. Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation of a Highly Specific Lateral Flow Assay for the Presumptive Identification of Bacillus anthracis Spores in Suspicious White Powders and Environmental Samples. Health Secur 2017; 14:351-65. [PMID: 27661796 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2016.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive, multiphase laboratory evaluation of the Anthrax BioThreat Alert(®) test strip, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) for the rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis spores. The study, conducted at 2 sites, evaluated this assay for the detection of spores from the Ames and Sterne strains of B. anthracis, as well as those from an additional 22 strains. Phylogenetic near neighbors, environmental background organisms, white powders, and environmental samples were also tested. The Anthrax LFA demonstrated a limit of detection of about 10(6) spores/mL (ca. 1.5 × 10(5) spores/assay). In this study, overall sensitivity of the LFA was 99.3%, and the specificity was 98.6%. The results indicated that the specificity, sensitivity, limit of detection, dynamic range, and repeatability of the assay support its use in the field for the purpose of qualitatively evaluating suspicious white powders and environmental samples for the presumptive presence of B. anthracis spores.
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Silvestri EE, Yund C, Taft S, Bowling CY, Chappie D, Garrahan K, Brady-Roberts E, Stone H, Nichols TL. Considerations for estimating microbial environmental data concentrations collected from a field setting. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2017; 27:141-151. [PMID: 26883476 PMCID: PMC5318663 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the event of an indoor release of an environmentally persistent microbial pathogen such as Bacillus anthracis, the potential for human exposure will be considered when remedial decisions are made. Microbial site characterization and clearance sampling data collected in the field might be used to estimate exposure. However, there are many challenges associated with estimating environmental concentrations of B. anthracis or other spore-forming organisms after such an event before being able to estimate exposure. These challenges include: (1) collecting environmental field samples that are adequate for the intended purpose, (2) conducting laboratory analyses and selecting the reporting format needed for the laboratory data, and (3) analyzing and interpreting the data using appropriate statistical techniques. This paper summarizes some key challenges faced in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting microbial field data from a contaminated site. Although the paper was written with considerations for B. anthracis contamination, it may also be applicable to other bacterial agents. It explores the implications and limitations of using field data for determining environmental concentrations both before and after decontamination. Several findings were of interest. First, to date, the only validated surface/sampling device combinations are swabs and sponge-sticks on stainless steel surfaces, thus limiting availability of quantitative analytical results which could be used for statistical analysis. Second, agreement needs to be reached with the analytical laboratory on the definition of the countable range and on reporting of data below the limit of quantitation. Finally, the distribution of the microbial field data and statistical methods needed for a particular data set could vary depending on these data that were collected, and guidance is needed on appropriate statistical software for handling microbial data. Further, research is needed to develop better methods to estimate human exposure from pathogens using environmental data collected from a field setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Silvestri
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia Yund
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Taft
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Charlena Yoder Bowling
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Eletha Brady-Roberts
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Harry Stone
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tonya L Nichols
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Homeland Security Research Center, Threat Consequence Assessment Division, Washington DC, USA
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Hedell R, Stephansson O, Mostad P, Andersson MG. Detection probability models for bacteria, and how to obtain them from heterogeneous spiking data. An application to Bacillus anthracis. Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 241:78-88. [PMID: 27764712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Efficient and correct evaluation of sampling results with respect to hypotheses about the concentration or distribution of bacteria generally requires knowledge about the performance of the detection method. To assess the sensitivity of the detection method an experiment is usually performed where the target matrix is spiked (i.e. artificially contaminated) with different concentrations of the bacteria, followed by analyses of the samples using the pre-enrichment method and the analytical detection method of interest. For safety reasons or because of economic or time limits it is not always possible to perform exactly such an experiment, with the desired number of samples. In this paper, we show how heterogeneous data from diverse sources may be combined within a single model to obtain not only estimates of detection probabilities, but also, crucially, uncertainty estimates. We indicate how such results can then be used to obtain optimal conclusions about presence of bacteria, and illustrate how strongly the sampling results speak in favour of or against contamination. In our example, we consider the case when B. cereus is used as surrogate for B. anthracis, for safety reasons. The statistical modelling of the detection probabilities and of the growth characteristics of the bacteria types is based on data from four experiments where different matrices of food were spiked with B. anthracis or B. cereus and analysed using plate counts and qPCR. We show how flexible and complex Bayesian models, together with inference tools such as OpenBUGS, can be used to merge information about detection probability curves. Two different modelling approaches, differing in whether the pre-enrichment step and the PCR detection step are modelled separately or together, are applied. The relative importance on the detection curves for various existing data sets are evaluated and illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Hedell
- Swedish National Forensic Centre (NFC), SE-581 94 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Olga Stephansson
- National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Petter Mostad
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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HU JL, CUI LL, BAO CJ, TAN ZM, RUTHERFORD S, YING L, ZHANG ML, ZHU FC. Source and risk factors of a cutaneous anthrax outbreak, Jiangsu, Eastern China, 2012. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:2672-8. [PMID: 27277672 PMCID: PMC9150473 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is still a severe public health problem and threat to human health. A cutaneous anthrax outbreak occurred in Jiangsu Province, a non-endemic anthrax region of eastern China, from July to August 2012. Epidemiological and laboratory investigation were initiated to trace the source of infection and identify the risk factors of the outbreak. On 25 July 2012, 17 persons were exposed to a sick cow, which had been imported from northeast China a few days previously. Of the 17 exposed, eight developed symptoms between 1 and 8 days and were diagnosed as cutaneous anthrax cases. Three main genes of Bacillus anthracis were detected from both human and cow meat samples, indicating that the outbreak was associated with this infected cow. A retrospective cohort study showed that contact with blood and presence of skin damage contributed to the case infection with B. anthracis. The outbreak highlights the need to enhance quarantine for imported livestock, which should have been vaccinated prior to importation, the significance of education for high-risk individuals, and training for primary healthcare workers even in anthrax-free areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. L. HU
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, PR China
| | - L. L. CUI
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, PR China
- Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, Beijing, PR China
| | - C. J. BAO
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Z. M. TAN
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, PR China
| | - S. RUTHERFORD
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - L. YING
- Lianyungang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lianyungang, PR China
| | - M. L. ZHANG
- Ganyu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganyu, PR China
| | - F. C. ZHU
- Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, PR China
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Hadfield TL, Jackson PJ, Appler J, Baillie L, Bailor E, Ballin J, Beck L, Blanke SR, Cahall R, Damer K, Dragon D, Forsman M, Jaing C, Johns M, Lin N, Maple L, Morse SA, New D, Retford M, Shah S, Sozhamannan S, Trudil D, Welkos S, Coates SG. AOAC SMPR(®) 2016.006. J AOAC Int 2016; 99:1084-1089. [PMID: 27455936 DOI: 10.5740/jaoacint.smpr2016.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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30
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Adhikari A, Yermakov M, Indugula R, Reponen T, Driks A, Grinshpun SA. Culturability of Bacillus spores on aerosol collection filters exposed to airborne combustion products of Al, Mg, and B·Ti. Environ Res 2016; 147:212-7. [PMID: 26914458 PMCID: PMC6705131 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Destruction of bioweapon facilities due to explosion or fire could aerosolize highly pathogenic microorganisms. The post-event air quality assessment is conducted through air sampling. A bioaerosol sample (often collected on a filter for further culture-based analysis) also contains combustion products, which may influence the microbial culturability and, thus, impact the outcome. We have examined the interaction between spores deposited on collection filters using two simulants of Bacillus anthracis [B. thuringiensis (Bt) and B. atrophaeus (referred to as BG)] and incoming combustion products of Al as well as Mg and B·Ti (common ingredient of metalized explosives). Spores extracted from Teflon, polycarbonate, mixed cellulose ester (MCE), and gelatin filters (most common filter media for bioaerosol sampling), which were exposed to combustion products during a short-term sampling, were analyzed by cultivation. Surprisingly, we observed that aluminum combustion products enhanced the culturability of Bt (but not BG) spores on Teflon filters increasing the culturable count by more than an order of magnitude. Testing polycarbonate and MCE filter materials also revealed a moderate increase of culturability although gelatin did not. No effect was observed with either of the two species interacting on either filter media with products originated by combustion of Mg and B·Ti. Sample contamination, spore agglomeration, effect of a filter material on the spore survival, changes in the spore wall ultrastructure and germination, as well as other factors were explored to interpret the findings. The study raises a question about the reliability of certain filter materials for collecting airborne bio-threat agents in combustion environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atin Adhikari
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Michael Yermakov
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Reshmi Indugula
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Tiina Reponen
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Adam Driks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Sergey A Grinshpun
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Tsygankova OI, Eremenko EI, Koteneva EA, Buravtseva NP, Voropaiev VV, Golovinskaya TM, Semenova OV, Riazanova AG. [The comparative evaluation of effectiveness of laboratory techniques of diagnostic of anthrax and detection its agent in objects of environment]. Klin Lab Diagn 2016; 61:242-245. [PMID: 30586247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of samples received during ictus of anthrax in the Stavropolskii kraii in 2013 permitted to study comparative effectiveness of regulated methods of laboratory diagnostic. The effectiveness of bacteriological, biological and molecular methods and necessity of their complex application for receiving optimal results are confirmed. The rapidity, effectiveness and specificity of polymerase chain reaction is emphasized. This method in case of absence of isolation of anthrax microbe can be the only method of confirming diagnose in people in aggregate with typical clinical picture and corresponding epidemic situation.
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France B, Bell W, Chang E, Scholten T. Composite Sampling Approaches for Bacillus anthracis Surrogate Extracted from Soil. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145799. [PMID: 26714315 PMCID: PMC4699224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Any release of anthrax spores in the U.S. would require action to decontaminate the site and restore its use and operations as rapidly as possible. The remediation activity would require environmental sampling, both initially to determine the extent of contamination (hazard mapping) and post-decon to determine that the site is free of contamination (clearance sampling). Whether the spore contamination is within a building or outdoors, collecting and analyzing what could be thousands of samples can become the factor that limits the pace of restoring operations. To address this sampling and analysis bottleneck and decrease the time needed to recover from an anthrax contamination event, this study investigates the use of composite sampling. Pooling or compositing of samples is an established technique to reduce the number of analyses required, and its use for anthrax spore sampling has recently been investigated. However, use of composite sampling in an anthrax spore remediation event will require well-documented and accepted methods. In particular, previous composite sampling studies have focused on sampling from hard surfaces; data on soil sampling are required to extend the procedure to outdoor use. Further, we must consider whether combining liquid samples, thus increasing the volume, lowers the sensitivity of detection and produces false negatives. In this study, methods to composite bacterial spore samples from soil are demonstrated. B. subtilis spore suspensions were used as a surrogate for anthrax spores. Two soils (Arizona Test Dust and sterilized potting soil) were contaminated and spore recovery with composites was shown to match individual sample performance. Results show that dilution can be overcome by concentrating bacterial spores using standard filtration methods. This study shows that composite sampling can be a viable method of pooling samples to reduce the number of analysis that must be performed during anthrax spore remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian France
- TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - William Bell
- TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emily Chang
- TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Trudy Scholten
- TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, United States of America
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Weller SA, Stokes MGM, Lukaszewski RA. Observations on the Inactivation Efficacy of a MALDI-TOF MS Chemical Extraction Method on Bacillus anthracis Vegetative Cells and Spores. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143870. [PMID: 26633884 PMCID: PMC4669126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A chemical (ethanol; formic acid; acetonitrile) protein extraction method for the preparation of bacterial samples for matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification was evaluated for its ability to inactivate bacterial species. Initial viability tests (with and without double filtration of the extract through 0.2 μM filters), indicated that the method could inactivate Escherichia coli MRE 162 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 35657, with or without filtration, but that filtration was required to exclude viable, avirulent, Bacillus anthracis UM23CL2 from extracts. Multiple, high stringency, viability experiments were then carried out on entire filtered extracts prepared from virulent B. anthracis Vollum vegetative cells and spores ranging in concentration from 106-108cfu per extract. B. anthracis was recovered in 3/18 vegetative cell extracts and 10/18 spore extracts. From vegetative cell extracts B. anthracis was only recovered from extracts that had undergone prolonged Luria (L)-broth (7 day) and L-agar plate (a further 7 days) incubations. We hypothesise that the recovery of B. anthracis in vegetative cell extracts is due to the escape of individual sub-lethally injured cells. We discuss our results in view of working practises in clinical laboratories and in the context of recent inadvertent releases of viable B. anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A. Weller
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaret G. M. Stokes
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Roman A. Lukaszewski
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
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D'Amelio E, Gentile B, Lista F, D'Amelio R. Historical evolution of human anthrax from occupational disease to potentially global threat as bioweapon. Environ Int 2015; 85:133-146. [PMID: 26386727 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, which can naturally infect livestock, wildlife and occupationally exposed humans. However, for its resistance due to spore formation, ease of dissemination, persistence in the environment and high virulence, B. anthracis has been considered the most serious bioterrorism agent for a long time. During the last century anthrax evolved from limited natural disease to potentially global threat if used as bioweapon. Several factors may mitigate the consequences of an anthrax attack, including 1. the capability to promptly recognize and manage the illness and its public health consequences; 2. the limitation of secondary contamination risk through an appropriate decontamination; and 3. the evolution of genotyping methods (for microbes characterization at high resolution level) that can influence the course and/or focus of investigations, impacting the response of the government to an attack. METHODS A PubMed search has been done using the key words “bioterrorism anthrax”. RESULTS Over one thousand papers have been screened and the most significant examined to present a comprehensive literature review in order to discuss the current knowledge and strategies in preparedness for a possible deliberate release of B. anthracis spores and to indicate the most current and complete documents in which to deepen. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive analysis of the two most relevant unnatural anthrax release events, Sverdlovsk in the former Soviet Union (1979) and the contaminated letters in the USA (2001), shows that inhalational anthrax may easily and cheaply be spread resulting in serious consequences. The damage caused by an anthrax attack can be limited if public health organization, first responders, researchers and investigators will be able to promptly manage anthrax cases and use new technologies for decontamination methods and in forensic microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernardina Gentile
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Florigio Lista
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical Research Center, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele D'Amelio
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, S. Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1039, 00189 Rome, Italy.
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Derzelle S, Girault G, Kokotovic B, Angen Ø. Whole Genome-Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Historical Collection of Bacillus anthracis Strains from Danish Cattle. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134699. [PMID: 26317972 PMCID: PMC4552859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is known as one of the most genetically monomorphic species. Canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing and whole-genome sequencing were used to investigate the molecular diversity of eleven B. anthracis strains isolated from cattle in Denmark between 1935 and 1988. Danish strains were assigned into five canSNP groups or lineages, i.e. A.Br.001/002 (n = 4), A.Br.Ames (n = 2), A.Br.008/011 (n = 2), A.Br.005/006 (n = 2) and A.Br.Aust94 (n = 1). The match with the A.Br.Ames lineage is of particular interest as the occurrence of such lineage in Europe is demonstrated for the first time, filling an historical gap within the phylogeography of the lineage. Comparative genome analyses of these strains with 41 isolates from other parts of the world revealed that the two Danish A.Br.008/011 strains were related to the heroin-associated strains responsible for outbreaks of injection anthrax in drug users in Europe. Eight novel diagnostic SNPs that specifically discriminate the different sub-groups of Danish strains were identified and developed into PCR-based genotyping assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylviane Derzelle
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Guillaume Girault
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Branko Kokotovic
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Øystein Angen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Cox CR, Jensen KR, Mondesire RR, Voorhees KJ. Rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis by γ phage amplification and lateral flow immunochromatography. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 118:51-6. [PMID: 26310605 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
New, rapid point-of-need diagnostic methods for Bacillus anthracis detection can enhance civil and military responses to accidental or deliberate dispersal of anthrax as a biological weapon. Current laboratory-based methods for clinical identification of B. anthracis require 12 to 120h, and are confirmed by plaque assay using the well-characterized γ typing phage, which requires an additional minimum of 24h for bacterial culture. To reduce testing time, the natural specificity of γ phage amplification was investigated in combination with lateral flow immunochromatography (LFI) for rapid, point-of-need B. anthracis detection. Phage-based LFI detection of B. anthracis Sterne was validated over a range of bacterial and phage concentrations with optimal detection achieved in as little as 2h from the onset of amplification with a threshold sensitivity of 2.5×10(4)cfu/mL. The novel use of γ phage amplification detected with a simple, inexpensive LFI assay provides a rapid, sensitive, highly accurate, and field-deployable method for diagnostic ID of B. anthracis in a fraction of the time required by conventional techniques, and without the need for extensive laboratory culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Cox
- Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - Kirk R Jensen
- Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | | | - Kent J Voorhees
- Colorado School of Mines, Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Golden, CO 80401, United States
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Blackburn JK, Odugbo MO, Van Ert M, O’Shea B, Mullins J, Perrenten V, Maho A, Hugh-Jones M, Hadfield T. Bacillus anthracis Diversity and Geographic Potential across Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad: Further Support of a Novel West African Lineage. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003931. [PMID: 26291625 PMCID: PMC4546381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses, diseases affecting both humans and animals, can exert tremendous pressures on human and veterinary health systems, particularly in resource limited countries. Anthrax is one such zoonosis of concern and is a disease requiring greater public health attention in Nigeria. Here we describe the genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis in Nigeria and compare it to Chad, Cameroon and a broader global dataset based on the multiple locus variable number tandem repeat (MLVA-25) genetic typing system. Nigerian B. anthracis isolates had identical MLVA genotypes and could only be resolved by measuring highly mutable single nucleotide repeats (SNRs). The Nigerian MLVA genotype was identical or highly genetically similar to those in the neighboring countries, confirming the strains belong to this unique West African lineage. Interestingly, sequence data from a Nigerian isolate shares the anthrose deficient genotypes previously described for strains in this region, which may be associated with vaccine evasion. Strains in this study were isolated over six decades, indicating a high level of temporal strain stability regionally. Ecological niche models were used to predict the geographic distribution of the pathogen for all three countries. We describe a west-east habitat corridor through northern Nigeria extending into Chad and Cameroon. Ecological niche models and genetic results show B. anthracis to be ecologically established in Nigeria. These findings expand our understanding of the global B. anthracis population structure and can guide regional anthrax surveillance and control planning. Anthrax, caused by the soil-borne bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a disease with important public health and national security implications globally. Understanding the global genetic diversity of the pathogen is important for epidemiological and forensic investigations of anthrax events. Toward this, we describe B. anthracis genetic diversity in Nigeria and confirm it belongs to a unique West African genetic group not yet reported beyond neighboring Cameroon and Chad and Mali. This refines the global phylogeny of B. anthracis, allowing the development of more accurate diagnostics. We coupled these efforts with ecological niche modeling to map the geographic distribution of this strain group across the region. Suitable habitat for the pathogen is predicted across central Nigeria from west to east into Cameroon and Chad. Understanding the geography of B. anthracis plays an important role in informing public health by targeting disease control to high risk regions. This is particularly important in resource limited areas where intervention strategies are constrained and zoonotic disease risk is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Moses Ode Odugbo
- Bacterial Research Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Matthew Van Ert
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bob O’Shea
- MRI Global, Palm Bay, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jocelyn Mullins
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Vincent Perrenten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Angaya Maho
- Laboratoire de Recherches Vétérinaires et Zootechniques, N’Djaména, Chad
| | - Martin Hugh-Jones
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ted Hadfield
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- MRI Global, Palm Bay, Florida, United States of America
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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
- * E-mail:
| | - 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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Lee HY, Jeong H, Jung IY, Jang B, Seo YC, Lee H, Lee H. DhITACT: DNA Hydrogel Formation by Isothermal Amplification of Complementary Target in Fluidic Channels. Adv Mater 2015; 27:3513-7. [PMID: 25946166 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201500414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA hydrogel formation by isothermal amplification of complementary targets in microfluidic channels (DhITACT) is a new platform for rapid and accurate detection of infectious pathogens. DNA hydrogel is formed in situ within microfluidic channels by the isothermal rolling circle amplification process upon the selective binding of target strands from the biological fluid. Once the volume of DNA hydrogel sufficiently enlarges, it can selectively block the matching channels with target pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Hansaem Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Young Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chang Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeshin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea
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Gao R, Ko J, Cha K, Jeon JH, Rhie GE, Choi J, deMello AJ, Choo J. Fast and sensitive detection of an anthrax biomarker using SERS-based solenoid microfluidic sensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 72:230-6. [PMID: 25985198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the application of a fully automated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based solenoid-embedded microfluidic device to the quantitative and sensitive detection of anthrax biomarker poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (PGA) in solution. Analysis is based on the competitive reaction between PGA and PGA-conjugated gold nanoparticles with anti-PGA-immobilized magnetic beads within a microfluidic environment. Magnetic immunocomplexes are trapped by yoke-type solenoids embedded within the device, and their SERS signals were directly measured and analyzed. To improve the accuracy of measurement process, external standard values for PGA-free serum were also measured through use of a control channel. This additional measurement greatly improves the reliability of the assay by minimizing the influence of extraneous experimental variables. The limit of detection (LOD) of PGA in serum, determined by our SERS-based microfluidic sensor, is estimated to be 100 pg/mL. We believe that the defined method represents a valuable analytical tool for the detection of anthrax-related aqueous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongke Gao
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
| | - Juhui Ko
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
| | - Kiweon Cha
- Division of High-Risk Pathogen Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 363-951, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Jeon
- Division of High-Risk Pathogen Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 363-951, South Korea
| | - Gi-eun Rhie
- Division of High-Risk Pathogen Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 363-951, South Korea
| | - Jonghoon Choi
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir Prelog Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Jaebum Choo
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea.
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Riojas MA, Kiss K, McKee ML, Hazbón MH. Multiplex PCR for species-level identification of Bacillus anthracis and detection of pXO1, pXO2, and related plasmids. Health Secur 2015; 13:122-9. [PMID: 25813976 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2014.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bacillus anthracis virulence plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 have critical implications for biosafety and select agent status. The proper identification and characterization of B. anthracis and its plasmid profile is important to the biodefense research community. Multiplex PCR was used to simultaneously detect a B. anthracis-specific chromosomal mutation, 4 targets distributed across pXO1, 3 targets distributed across pXO2, and highly conserved regions of the 16S gene, allowing an internal positive control for each sample. The multiplex PCR can produce as many as 9 easily separable and distinguishable amplicons, ranging in size from 188 to 555 bp. The PCR results were used to characterize DNA samples extracted from B. anthracis, other Bacillus species, and other bacterial species from many different genera. With the exception of 2 novel putative plasmids discovered, testing against inclusion and extensive exclusion panels showed 100% correlation to previously published and expected results. Upon testing 29 previously unpublished B. anthracis strains, 10 (34.5%) were pXO1(+)/pXO2(+), 9 (31.0%) were pXO1(+)/pXO2(-), 7 (24.1%) were pXO1(-)/pXO2(+), and 3 (10.3%) were pXO1(-)/pXO2(-). The present work presents a novel 9-target multiplex PCR assay capable of species-level identification of B. anthracis via a unique chromosomal marker and the detection of pXO1 and pXO2 via multiply redundant targets on each.
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Amoako KK. Application of Pyrosequencing® in Food Biodefense. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1315:363-375. [PMID: 26103911 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2715-9_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The perpetration of a bioterrorism attack poses a significant risk for public health with potential socioeconomic consequences. It is imperative that we possess reliable assays for the rapid and accurate identification of biothreat agents to make rapid risk-informed decisions on emergency response. The development of advanced methodologies for the detection of biothreat agents has been evolving rapidly since the release of the anthrax spores in the mail in 2001, and recent advances in detection and identification techniques could prove to be an essential component in the defense against biological attacks. Sequence-based approaches such as Pyrosequencing(®), which has the capability to determine short DNA stretches in real time using biotinylated PCR amplicons, have potential biodefense applications. Using markers from the virulence plasmids and chromosomal regions, my laboratory has demonstrated the power of this technology in the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of B. anthracis spores and Yersinia pestis in food. These are the first applications for the detection of the two organisms in food. Furthermore, my lab has developed a rapid assay to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene profiles for Y. pestis using Pyrosequencing. Pyrosequencing is completed in about 60 min (following PCR amplification) and yields accurate and reliable results with an added layer of confidence, thus enabling rapid risk-informed decisions to be made. A typical run yields 40-84 bp reads with 94-100 % identity to the expected sequence. It also provides a rapid method for determining the AMR profile as compared to the conventional plate method which takes several days. The method described is proposed as a novel detection system for potential application in food biodefense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley Kwaku Amoako
- National Centers for Animal Disease, Lethbridge Laboratory, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, P.O. Box 640, Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB, Canada, T1J 3Z4,
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Cieślik P, Knap J, Kolodziej M, Mirski T, Joniec J, Graniak G, Zakowska D, Winnicka I, Bielawska-Drózd A. Real-Time PCR Identification of Unique Bacillus anthracis Sequences. Folia Biol (Praha) 2015; 61:178-183. [PMID: 26667574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive microorganism. It is a causative agent of anthrax, a highly infectious disease. It belongs to the "Bacillus cereus group", which contains other closely related species, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, and Bacillus pseudomycoides. B. anthracis naturally occurs in soil environments. The BA5345 genetic marker was used for highly specific detection of B. anthracis with TaqMan probes. The detection limit of a real-time PCR assay was estimated at the level of 16.9 copies (CI95% - 37.4 to 37.86, SD = 0.2; SE = 0.118). Oligonucleotides designed for the targeted sequences (within the tested locus) revealed 100 % homology to B. anthracis strain reference sequences deposited in the database (NCBI) and high specificity to all tested B. anthracis strains. Additional in silico analysis of plasmid markers pag and cap genes with B. anthracis strains included in the database was carried out. Our study clearly indicates that the BA5345 marker can be used with success as a chromosomal marker in routine identification of B. anthracis; moreover, detection of plasmid markers indicates virulence of the examined strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cieślik
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - J Knap
- Warsaw Medical University, Second Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Kolodziej
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - T Mirski
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - J Joniec
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - G Graniak
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - D Zakowska
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
| | - I Winnicka
- General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Epidemiology Department, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Bielawska-Drózd
- Biological Threats Identification and Countermeasure Centre of the General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Puławy, Poland
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Barkova IA, Novozhenina AV, Barkov AM, Porokhnia SV, Tkachenko GA, Lipnitskiĭ AV. [Characteristics of isogenic variants of Bacillus anthracis with various content of virulence plasmids]. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol 2015:17-22. [PMID: 25842948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Production and characteristics by main cultural-morphologic and antigenic properties of isogenic variants Bacillus anthracis, that differ by the presence of virulence plasmids. MATERIALS AND METHODS B. anthracis 81/1, 575/122 virulent and B. anthracis STI, 55, Sterne vaccine strains were used in the study. Isogenic variants, that differ by the presence of virulence plasmids, were obtained by temperature elimination of plasmids, as well as during cultivation of anthrax strains in medium with kanamycin. The strains were characterized by cultural-morphologic, biochemical properties. The presence of virulence plasmids was determined by polymerase chain reaction method. Antigenic properties were studied in immune diffusion reaction with growing cultures with sera against protective antigen and S-layer proteins, electrophoresis, immune blotting. RESULTS Isogenic variants were produced from virulent strains B. anthracis 81/1, 575/122 and vaccine strains STI, 55, Sterne: mono-plasmid toxin-producing (81/1 R01, 575/122 R01) and capsule-containing (81/1 R02, 575/122 R02), and plasmid-less (81/1 R00, 575/122 R00, STI R00, 55 R00, Sterne R00), that differ by the presence of virulence plasmids. Strains had typical cultural-morphologic properties, differed by biochemical and antigenic properties. Cultural filtrates of toxin-producing strains had protein of anthrax toxin; plasmid-less strains--had proteins, that had molecular masses corresponding to molecular masses of S-layer EA1 and Sap proteins. CONCLUSION These strains may be used to study variability and proteomic analysis of anthrax causative agent, as well as for isolation of antigens with the aim of evaluating their immune diagnostic significance.
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Tufts JAM, Meyer KM, Calfee MW, Lee SD. Composite sampling of a Bacillus anthracis surrogate with cellulose sponge surface samplers from a nonporous surface. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114082. [PMID: 25470365 PMCID: PMC4254944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of experiments was conducted to explore the utility of composite-based collection of surface samples for the detection of a Bacillus anthracis surrogate using cellulose sponge samplers on a nonporous stainless steel surface. Two composite-based collection approaches were evaluated over a surface area of 3716 cm2 (four separate 929 cm2 areas), larger than the 645 cm2 prescribed by the standard Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention cellulose sponge sampling protocol for use on nonporous surfaces. The CDC method was also compared to a modified protocol where only one surface of the sponge sampler was used for each of the four areas composited. Differences in collection efficiency compared to positive controls and the potential for contaminant transfer for each protocol were assessed. The impact of the loss of wetting buffer from the sponge sampler onto additional surface areas sampled was evaluated. Statistical tests of the results using ANOVA indicate that the collection of composite samples using the modified sampling protocol is comparable to the collection of composite samples using the standard CDC protocol (p = 0.261). Most of the surface-bound spores are collected on the first sampling pass, suggesting that multiple passes with the sponge sampler over the same surface may be unnecessary. The effect of moisture loss from the sponge sampler on collection efficiency was not significant (p = 0.720) for both methods. Contaminant transfer occurs with both sampling protocols, but the magnitude of transfer is significantly greater when using the standard protocol than when the modified protocol is used (p<0.001). The results of this study suggest that composite surface sampling, by either method presented here, could successfully be used to increase the surface area sampled per sponge sampler, resulting in reduced sampling times in the field and decreased laboratory processing cost and turn-around times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenia A. M. Tufts
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- National Homeland Security Research Center, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Meyer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- National Homeland Security Research Center, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael Worth Calfee
- National Homeland Security Research Center, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sang Don Lee
- National Homeland Security Research Center, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
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Pottage T, Goode E, Wyke S, Bennett AM. Responding to biological incidents--what are the current issues in remediation of the contaminated environment? Environ Int 2014; 72:133-139. [PMID: 24530001 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Since 2000 there have been a number of biological incidents resulting in environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. These incidents include the US anthrax attacks in 2001, the US and UK drumming incidents in 2006-2008 and more recently, anthrax contamination of heroin in 2009/2010 and 2012/2013. Remediation techniques used to return environments to normal have varied between incidents, with different decontamination technologies being employed. Many factors need to be considered before a remediation strategy or recovery option can be implemented, including; cost, time (length of application), public perception of risk, and sampling strategies (and results) to name a few. These incidents have demonstrated that consolidated guidance for remediating biologically contaminated environments in the aftermath of a biological incident was required. The UK Recovery Handbook for Biological Incidents (UKRHBI) is a project led by Public Health England (PHE), formerly the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to provide guidance and advice on how to remediate the environment following a biological incident or outbreak of infection, and is expected to be published in 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pottage
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - E Goode
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK
| | - S Wyke
- Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - A M Bennett
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK
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Wang DB, Tian B, Zhang ZP, Wang XY, Fleming J, Bi LJ, Yang RF, Zhang XE. Detection of Bacillus anthracis spores by super-paramagnetic lateral-flow immunoassays based on "Road Closure". Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 67:608-14. [PMID: 25294802 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Detection of Bacillus anthracis in the field, whether as a natural infection or as a biothreat remains challenging. Here we have developed a new lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) for B. anthracis spore detection based on the fact that conjugates of B. anthracis spores and super-paramagnetic particles labeled with antibodies will block the pores of chromatographic strips and form retention lines on the strips, instead of the conventionally reported test lines and control lines in classic LFIA. As a result, this new LFIA can simultaneously realize optical, magnetic and naked-eye detection by analyzing signals from the retention lines. As few as 500-700 pure B. anthracis spores can be recognized with CV values less than 8.31% within 5 min of chromatography and a total time of 20 min. For powdery sample tests, this LFIA can endure interference from 25% (w/v) milk, 10% (w/v) baking soda and 10% (w/v) starch without any sample pre-treatment, and has a corresponding detection limit of 6×10(4) spores/g milk powder, 2×10(5) spores/g starch and 5×10(5) spores/g baking soda. Compared with existing methods, this new approach is very competitive in terms of sensitivity, specificity, cost and ease of operation. This proof-of-concept study can also be extended for detection of many other large-sized analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Bing Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Joy Fleming
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Jun Bi
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Fu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Hanczaruk M, Reischl U, Holzmann T, Frangoulidis D, Wagner DM, Keim PS, Antwerpen MH, Meyer H, Grass G. Injectional anthrax in heroin users, Europe, 2000-2012. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:322-3. [PMID: 24447525 PMCID: PMC3901468 DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.120921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Sprenkle MD, Griffith J, Marinelli W, Boyer AE, Quinn CP, Pesik NT, Hoffmaster A, Keenan J, Juni BA, Blaney DD. Lethal factor and anti-protective antigen IgG levels associated with inhalation anthrax, Minnesota, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:310-4. [PMID: 24447456 PMCID: PMC3901492 DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.130245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis was identified in a 61-year-old man hospitalized in Minnesota, USA. Cooperation between the hospital and the state health agency enhanced prompt identification of the pathogen. Treatment comprising antimicrobial drugs, anthrax immune globulin, and pleural drainage led to full recovery; however, the role of passive immunization in anthrax treatment requires further evaluation.
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