Bovine Bacillus anthracis in Cameroon.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax in livestock and humans.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and characteristics of B. anthracis isolates is crucial for disease control and epidemiology.
• Previous studies have indicated regional genetic variations in B. anthracis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To genetically characterize bovine Bacillus anthracis isolates from Cameroon.
• To determine the genetic relationships of these isolates with other known strains.
• To identify any unique genetic markers or phenotypic traits.

Main Methods:

• DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus anthracis isolates.
• Comparative analysis with existing B. anthracis and Bacillus cereus genomic data.
• Phenotypic characterization, including antibiotic resistance profiling.

Main Results:

• Cameroonian bovine B. anthracis isolates demonstrated significant genetic homogeneity.
• The majority of isolates clustered with strains from Chad within the predominant western African Aβ cluster.
• A distinct isolate was identified, belonging to a novel clade (D) and cluster (D1), exhibiting penicillin resistance and Bacillus cereus-like phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Western African bovine B. anthracis populations share a predominant genetic lineage (cluster Aβ).
• The emergence of a penicillin-resistant strain with B. cereus-like traits highlights potential evolutionary pathways and necessitates ongoing surveillance.
• This study contributes to a deeper understanding of B. anthracis epidemiology in Africa.