Texas Isolates Related to Bacillus anthracis Ames
Author Information
Author(s): Kenefic Leo J., Pearson Talima, Okinaka Richard T., Chung Wai-Kwan, Max Tamara, Van Ert Matthew N., Marston Chung K., Gutierrez Kathy, Swinford Amy K., Hoffmaster Alex R., Keim Paul
Primary Institution: Northern Arizona University
Hypothesis
Can natural strains of the Ames strain be differentiated from laboratory or biocrime isolates using higher resolution genotyping?
Conclusion
The study found that five out of six SNP markers could distinguish between natural isolates and laboratory strains of the Ames strain.
Supporting Evidence
- The Ames strain has been isolated from nature only once in southern Texas.
- Five of six SNP loci could distinguish between natural isolates and laboratory strains.
- Previous analyses identified close matches to the Ames strain in Texas.
- 190 culture-confirmed cases of anthrax were found in Texas from 1974 to 2000.
- Two outbreaks in 2006 and 2007 confirmed the presence of Ames-like isolates.
Takeaway
Scientists studied bacteria from Texas to see if they were related to a dangerous strain used in bioterrorism, and they found ways to tell them apart.
Methodology
The study used multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays to analyze bacterial strains.
Potential Biases
Potential for misidentification of strains due to varying analytical methods.
Limitations
The MLVA method can be limited in resolving power compared to SNP assays.
Participant Demographics
Isolates from outbreaks in Texas affecting deer species, horses, and bovids.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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