Genotyping of Bacillus cereus Strains by Microarray-Based Resequencing

The ability to distinguish microbial pathogens from closely related but nonpathogenic strains is key to understanding the population biology of these organisms. In this regard, Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes inhalational anthrax, is of interest because it is closely related and often difficult to distinguish from other members of the B. cereus group that can cause diverse diseases. We employed custom-designed resequencing arrays (RAs) based on the genome sequence of Bacillus anthracis to generate 422 kb of genomic sequence from a panel of 41 Bacillus cereus sensu lato strains. Here we show that RAs represent a “one reaction” genotyping technology with the ability to discriminate between highly similar B. anthracis isolates and more divergent strains of the B. cereus s.l. Clade 1. Our data show that RAs can be an efficient genotyping technology for pre-screening the genetic diversity of large strain collections to selected the best candidates for whole genome sequencing

Wild Animals In Entertainment

Wild animals in entertainment have long been popular. A wide variety of wild animals are held in captivity worldwide. Some are housed in modern zoos, sanctuaries, research facilities and wildlife centers, while others live their lives as actors in (traveling) circuses, in entertainment parks or on movie sets. Good animal welfare and quality of life matters first and foremost to the individual animal, but is also fundamental to meaningful and successful conservation , research and education programs. It is important to consider the animal’s perspective and the species-specific requirements that are not always compatible with our entertainment goals. This chapter will focus specifically on the topic of entertainment and performing captive wild animals in zoos, marine parks and circuses worldwide and which conditions need to be fulfilled to warrant good animal welfare, i.e. thriving captive wild animals