Anthrax—a Threat beyond Bacillus anthracis
A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Bacterial Pathogens".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 42160
Special Issue Editors
Interests: characterization of B. cereus biovar anthracis; analysis of gene expression, genome sequencing; diagnostics of highly pathogenic bacteria; zoonotic diseases
Interests: detection, diagnosis, and treatment of anthrax-like disease in addition to characterization of the etiologic agents of these illnesses and their environmental distribution
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
For decades, Bacillus anthracis was considered to be the only bacterial agent causing anthrax disease, which affects a large range of mammals, including humans. B. anthracis is a member of the Bacillus cereus group in which bacteria are related on the chromosomal level, but possess a variety of plasmids responsible for different pathogenicities. As exchange of genetic material occurs naturally in the genus Bacillus, it is not unexpected that B. anthracis virulence genes and plasmids could occur in other species. During the last 20 years, increasing numbers of anthrax-like cases have been detected that were caused by such atypical Bacilli. The cluster of B. cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) was detected in African rain forest areas where these bacteria mainly affect wildlife species, including great apes. Human exposure has been reported based on serological evidence, although human cases have not yet been described. B. tropicus (taxonomy change; formerly B. cereus) G9241 and other Bacillus spp. expressing anthrax toxins have caused severe and fatal infections amongst welders in the United States, a professional category that seems particularly susceptible to this type of pathogen. In addition, these Bacillus strains expressing anthrax toxins cause cutaneous infections resembling anthrax. One may assume that these atypical bacteria are responsible for many more anthrax-like cases that are not diagnosed as such because they can be missed by detection methods targeting classic B. anthracis.
In this Special Issue, we would like to cover all aspects of this emerging group of atypical Bacilli causing anthrax-like disease. This starts with the genetic background and plasmid content: Does the strain possess both the B. anthracis toxin and capsule plasmid, like in Bcbva, or only the toxin plasmid like in G9241? Are entire plasmids present or new plasmids with anthrax toxin genes? Which additional plasmids are present? Concerning pathogenesis, it would be interesting to know if toxins and/or the capsule are synthesized and if the strains are able to produce a capsule composed of hyaluronic acid like in Bcbva and G9241. What is known about the gene regulation and control by the regulators AtxA and/or PlcR? Which insights can be gained by animal experiments and how can disease be treated or prevented? What is known about the ecology and epidemiology, and are there any preferred hosts or ecological niches? How do the strains group into the phylogenetic tree of the Bacillus genus, and what can be speculated about their evolution? Briefly, we would like to gather the knowledge of all researchers in this fascinating field of emerging pathogens to present their data to a broader scientific community. For this Special Issue of Pathogens, we invite you to submit a review or research article related to anthrax-causing Bacilli. We look forward to your contribution.
Dr. Silke R. Klee
Dr. Alex R. Hoffmaster
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- Bacillus anthracis
- Bacillus tropicus
- Bacillus cereus
- Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis
- pathogenesis
- plasmids
- gene regulation
- phylogeny and taxonomy
- therapy and prevention
- ecology
- epidemiology
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