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Anthrax Toxin-Expressing Bacillus cereus Isolated from an Anthrax-Like Eschar
Chung K Marston1, Hisham Ibrahim2, Philip Lee3
1National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
Plos One
|June 4, 2016
Summary
A Bacillus cereus strain, BcFL2013, carrying Bacillus anthracis toxin genes was identified from a skin lesion. This isolate showed high genomic similarity to known pathogenic strains and serological evidence of anthrax toxin activity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Bacillus cereus isolates can harbor Bacillus anthracis toxin genes, leading to severe infections.
- Certain strains, like B. cereus G9241, are known to cause fatal pneumonias.
Observation:
- A B. cereus isolate, BcFL2013, was identified from a cutaneous lesion resembling an anthrax eschar.
- BcFL2013 possesses the B. anthracis pXO1 toxin genes and shares high genomic similarity with B. cereus G9241.
Findings:
- Whole genome sequencing revealed a 99.98% nucleotide identity between BcFL2013 and G9241 chromosomes.
- BcFL2013 harbors three plasmids with homology to G9241 plasmids.
- Patient specimens showed anthrax lethal factor toxemia, antibodies to protective antigen (PA), and lethal toxin neutralization activity.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for B. cereus to cause anthrax-like disease.
- Genomic and serological data confirm the pathogenic potential of this B. cereus isolate.
- Understanding these genetic similarities aids in diagnosing and treating anthrax-like infections.