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Derzelle S, Thierry S. Genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis in Europe: genotyping methods in forensic and epidemiologic investigations. Biosecur Bioterror 2014; 11 Suppl 1:S166-76. [PMID: 23971802 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2013.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, a zoonosis relatively common throughout the world, can be used as an agent of bioterrorism. In naturally occurring outbreaks and in criminal release of this pathogen, a fast and accurate diagnosis is crucial to an effective response. Microbiological forensics and epidemiologic investigations increasingly rely on molecular markers, such as polymorphisms in DNA sequence, to obtain reliable information regarding the identification or source of a suspicious strain. Over the past decade, significant research efforts have been undertaken to develop genotyping methods with increased power to differentiate B. anthracis strains. A growing number of DNA signatures have been identified and used to survey B. anthracis diversity in nature, leading to rapid advances in our understanding of the global population of this pathogen. This article provides an overview of the different phylogenetic subgroups distributed across the world, with a particular focus on Europe. Updated information on the anthrax situation in Europe is reported. A brief description of some of the work in progress in the work package 5.1 of the AniBioThreat project is also presented, including (1) the development of a robust typing tool based on a suspension array technology and multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphisms scoring and (2) the typing of a collection of DNA from European isolates exchanged between the partners of the project. The know-how acquired will contribute to improving the EU's ability to react rapidly when the identity and real origin of a strain need to be established.
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Girault G, Blouin Y, Vergnaud G, Derzelle S. High-throughput sequencing of Bacillus anthracis in France: investigating genome diversity and population structure using whole-genome SNP discovery. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:288. [PMID: 24734872 PMCID: PMC4023602 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are ideal signatures for subtyping monomorphic pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis. Here we report the use of next-generation sequencing technology to investigate the historical, geographic and genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis in France. 122 strains isolated over a 60-years period throughout the country were whole-genome sequenced and comparative analyses were carried out with a focus on SNPs discovery to discriminate regional sub-groups of strains. Results A total of 1581 chromosomal SNPs precisely establish the phylogenetic relationships existing between the French strains. Phylogeography patterns within the three canSNP sub-lineages present in France (i.e. B.Br.CNEVA, A.Br.011/009 and A.Br.001/002) were observed. One of the more remarkable findings was the identification of a variety of genotypes within the A.Br.011/009 sub-group that are persisting in the different regions of France. The 560 SNPs defining the A.Br.011/009- affiliated French strains split the Trans-Eurasian sub-group into six distinct branches without any intermediate nodes. Distinct sub-branches, with some geographic clustering, were resolved. The 345 SNPs defining the major B.Br CNEVA sub-lineage clustered three main phylogeographic clades, the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Central, with a small Saône-et-Loire sub-cluster nested within the latter group. The French strains affiliated to the minor A.Br.001/002 group were characterized by 226 SNPs. All recent isolates collected from the Doubs department were closely related. Identification of SNPs from whole-genome sequences facilitates high-resolution strain tracking and provides the level of discrimination required for outbreak investigations. Eight diagnostic SNPs, representative of the main French-specific phylogeographic clusters, were therefore selected and developed into high-resolution melting SNP discriminative assays. Conclusions This work has established one of the most accurate phylogenetic reconstruction of B. anthracis population structure in a country. An extensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) dataset of 122 French strains have been created that allowed the identification of novel diagnostic SNPs useful to rapidly determine the geographic origin of any strain found in France.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sylviane Derzelle
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort 94706, France.
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Thullier P, Pelat T, Paucod JC, Vidal D. [Recombinant antibodies for medical protection against bioterrorism agents: the example of anthrax]. Biol Aujourdhui 2010; 204:81-6. [PMID: 20950579 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2009048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies are a highly successful class of therapeutic molecules, they are well adapted for use against bio-weapons (BW) as they act immediately, are often synergistic with other therapeutic molecules, have a long half-life and are well tolerated. Anthrax is regarded at high risk of being used as BW, and its pathogenic properties depend on toxins, which might be neutralized by antibodies. These toxins are made of three different types of sub-units (PA, LF, EF). Several anti-PA have been developed, including an original approach by our team. We have developed an anti-LF, as recommended by experts. Our anti-PA antibody, and to a lesser extend our anti-LF antibody, will be presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Thullier
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherche du Service de Santé des Armées (CRSSA), 24 avenue des Maquis du Grésivaudan, La Tronche, France.
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Fouet A, Smith KL, Keys C, Vaissaire J, Le Doujet C, Lévy M, Mock M, Keim P. Diversity among French Bacillus anthracis isolates. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:4732-4. [PMID: 12454180 PMCID: PMC154597 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.12.4732-4734.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2002] [Revised: 07/01/2002] [Accepted: 08/05/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While outbreaks of animal anthrax zoonoses still regularly occur in France, little is known about the epidemiology links between them. We have used the eight-locus multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis typing technique against a collection of 50 Bacillus anthracis isolates from France. There were eight distinct genotypes belonging to two dissimilar genetic clusters. Regional strain patterns were observed, with the B2 genotypes prevalent in southern France and the A1a genotypes found only in northern France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Fouet
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Kimothy L. Smith
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Chris Keys
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Josée Vaissaire
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Claudine Le Doujet
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Martine Lévy
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Michèle Mock
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
| | - Paul Keim
- Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes (CNRS URA 2172), Institut Pasteur, Paris, Zoonoses Bactériennes, AFSSA/LERPAZ, Maisons-Alfort, France, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5640
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