Genome Sequence of the Attenuated Carbosap Vaccine Strain of \u3ci\u3eBacillus anthracis\u3c/i\u3e

The Bacillus anthracis Carbosap genome, which includes the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids, has been shown to encode the major B. anthracis virulence factors, yet this strain’s attenuation has not yet been explained. Here we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, and a comparison to fully virulent B. anthracis

Molecular Epidemiologic Investigation of an Anthrax Outbreak among Heroin Users, Europe

In December 2009, two unusual cases of anthrax were diagnosed in heroin users in Scotland. A subsequent anthrax outbreak in heroin users emerged throughout Scotland and expanded into England and Germany, sparking concern of nefarious introduction of anthrax spores into the heroin supply. To better understand the outbreak origin, we used established genetic signatures that provided insights about strain origin. Next, we sequenced the whole genome of a representative Bacillus anthracis strain from a heroin user (Ba4599), developed Ba4599-specifi c single-nucleotide polymorphism assays, and genotyped all available material from other heroin users with anthrax. Of 34 case-patients with B. anthracis–positive PCR results, all shared the Ba4599 single-nucleotide polymorphism genotype. Phylogeographic analysis demonstrated that Ba4599 was closely related to strains from Turkey and not to previously identifi ed isolates from Scotland or Afghanistan, the presumed origin of the heroin. Our results suggest accidental contamination along the drug traffi cking route through a cutting agent or animal hides used to smuggle heroin into Europe. Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive endosporeforming bacterium that causes the disease anthra

Quality Sample Collection, Handling, and Preservation for an Effective Microbial Forensics Program

Peer reviewedEntomology and Plant Patholog