Penicillin-Susceptible, Oxidase-Negative, Nonhemolytic, NonmotileBacillus megateriumin Disguise ofBacillus anthracis

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis is a bacterial pathogen of major concern. The spores of this bacteria can survive harsh environmental conditions for extended periods and are well recognized as a potential bioterror weapon with significant implications. Accurate and timely identification of this Bacillus species in the diagnostic laboratory is essential for disease and public health management. Biosafety Level 3 measures and ciprofloxacin treatment were instituted when B. anthracis was suspected from a patient with gangrenous foot. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to accurately identify the suspected bacterium, due to the superiority of this method to accurately identify clinically isolated bacteria. B. megaterium was identified as the causative agent and the organism was subsequently treated as a Biosafety Level 2 pathogen.

Culturable pathogenic bacteria in ticks parasitizing farm animals and rodents in Malaysia

“…This finding should not be downplayed regardless, as environment-associated Bacillus sp. appears to have pathogenic potential in humans (Loong et al, 2017).…”

Comparing microbiological and molecular diagnostic tools for the surveillance of anthrax

“…anthracis, leading to false positive results from molecular diagnostics. In addition, other genera, such as Peribacillus and Priestia (Loong et al, 2017, Lekota et al, 2018, can also complicate anthrax diagnosis. These species may not share as many genetic markers with B.…”

“…The identification of species closely related to B. anthracis on diagnostic blood smears can complicate anthrax diagnosis as these species may share similar genetic markers with B. anthracis , leading to false positive results from molecular diagnostics. In addition, other genera, such as Peribacillus and Priestia (Loong et al, 2017, Lekota et al, 2018), can also complicate anthrax diagnosis. These species may not share as many genetic markers with B. anthracis as the B. cereus group, but still have some similarities that could lead to false positive results as seen in this study when performing qPCR diagnostics using only lef , Ba-1, or pagA (BAPA) markers (Figure 6).…”