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Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Recombinant Protein Expression, Crystallization, and Biophysical Studies of a Bacillus-conserved Nucleotide Pyrophosphorylase, BcMazG
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Identification of a New Pathogenicity Island Within the Large pAH187_270 Plasmid Involved in Bacillus cereus

Rozenn Dervyn1, Devon W Kavanaugh1, Delphine Cormontagne1

  • 1Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|February 7, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A Bacillus cereus strain lost a large plasmid, reducing its virulence. This highlights the role of plasmids in B. cereus pathogenicity and hospital contamination risks.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bacillus cereus causes food poisoning and severe infections.
  • Strain pathogenicity varies significantly.
  • Understanding B. cereus virulence is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize three B. cereus isolates from a single patient.
  • To identify the virulence potential of these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), genotyping, and SNP analysis were used.
  • Phenotypic analyses included growth, morphology, germination, toxin production, antibiotic susceptibility, and insect model virulence.
  • Isolates were obtained from blood samples of a sepsis patient with catheter infection.

Main Results:

  • All three B. cereus isolates were genetically identical strains.
  • The last isolate had lost the pAH187_270 plasmid, altering its phenotype.
  • This strain exhibited delayed germination, altered antibiotic susceptibility, and reduced insect virulence.
  • A 50-kbp region on the lost plasmid was identified as a novel B. cereus pathogenicity island.

Conclusions:

  • Large plasmids significantly contribute to B. cereus virulence.
  • Plasmid loss can lead to decreased pathogenicity.
  • Findings aid in assessing B. cereus hospital contamination risks and improving hygiene procedures.
Keywords:
Bacillus cereusclinical infectionmega-plasmidpathogenicity islandvirulence

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