Investigation report on an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in Caoxian County, Heze City, Shandong Province in 2021 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the cause and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in Caoxian County, Heze City, Shandong Province, and to provide scientific basis for anthrax prevention and control.Methods:Using on-site epidemiological investigation methods and the "Anthrax Epidemiological Case Investigation Form", case investigations were conducted based on the epidemiological contact history and close contacts of suspected anthrax cases reported by the national health care system ( n = 83). Scorched skin smears, diseased cattle tissues, soil samples from the slaughter site and smears from slaughter utensils were collected from cases for Real-time PCR testing and pathogenic bacteria isolation and culture, respectively. Anthrax determination criteria were carried out with reference to "Anthrax Diagnosis" (WS 283-2020). Results:A total of 13 cases of cutaneous anthrax were found in this outbreak, including 12 clinically diagnosed cases and one confirmed case (positive Real-time PCR test and isolation of a strain of Bacillus anthracis). The epidemiological investigation determined that the source of infection in this outbreak was diseased cattle, the transmission route was through slaughter of diseased cattle, contact with contaminated utensils and related cattle products, and the patients were mainly engaged in occupations related to cattle slaughter or cattle product collection and sale. A total of 84 samples were collected, including 13 skin scabs, 64 environmental samples and 7 beef samples. Thirty-six positive PCR tests were performed, with a positive rate of 42.86% (36/84). Among them, 100.00% (13/13) were positive for skin scab smear specimens, 29.69% (19/64) for environmental samples and 4/7 for beef samples. A total of 8 strains of Bacillus anthracis were isolated, including 6 environmental specimens, 1 suspected case and 1 beef strain, with an overall detection rate of 9.52% (8/84). Eighty-three close contacts were investigated. Thirteen households involved in the epidemic were disinfected by spraying (200 ml/m 2) with chlorine-containing disinfectant (5 000 mg/L), and a total of 40 households involved in the epidemic were disinfected, covering an area of about 10 765 m 2. Forty-five pieces of suspected contaminated clothing were burned and disposed of, and 152 pieces of kitchenware were soaked. Conclusions:Slaughter of infected cattle, contact with contaminated utensils and related cattle products are the main causes of this skin anthrax outbreak. Strengthening market supervision, deepening inter-animal epidemic prevention, carrying out publicity and education on anthrax prevention and control, and enhancing practitioners' awareness of disease prevention is the key to prevent anthrax from occurring.

Epidemic characteristics of anthrax in Chengde City， Hebei Province from 2005 to 2021 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemic characteristics of anthrax in Chengde City， Hebei Province from 2005 to 2021， and to provide evidence for formulating prevention and control measures of anthrax and reducing incidence rate. MethodsThis study collected the data of anthrax epidemic in Chengde City and conducted descriptive analysis. ResultsFrom 2005 to 2021， a total of 11 anthrax cases were reported in Chengde City with no death. The average incidence rate was 0.08/105， which remained low. Furthermore， 10 cases were cutaneous anthrax and 1 case was pulmonary anthrax. The cases were mainly reported in Weichang County， accounting for 90.91% of the total reported cases， followed by Pingquan City. In addition， the cases were mainly reported from July to August and mainly between 30 and 59 years old with a gender ratio of 2.67∶1. ConclusionThe anthrax epidemic in Chengde City is likely to increase. It mainly occurs in summer， rural areas， and male young and middle-aged farmers. It is necessary to improve epidemic monitoring， health education， disease prevention capacity， early identification of the epidemic， and active response.

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of anthrax in Gongliu County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region / 预防医学

Abstract@#A suspected case of cutaneous anthrax was reported by Gongliu County Disease Control and Prevention Center, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on August 19, 2021. Then, an epidemiological survey was performed by a joint investigation team consisting of professionals from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, intermediate-level trainees from the Field Epidemiology Training Program of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and professionals from Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 11 cutaneous anthrax cases were identified, including 8 suspected cases and 3 clinically diagnosed cases, and all cases were villagers in Y Village, X Township, Gongliu County, without severe case or deaths found. The onset of the first case occurred on July 27, and the onset of the last case occurred on August 16. The main clinical manifestations included ulcerative eschar on hands and exposed skin of the upper extremity. A Bacillus anthracis isolate was detected in meat samples from infected cattle. Epidemiological surveys showed that villagers did not report infected cattle to related sectors and privately slaughtered and ate meat from infected cattle without any effective protective measures, resulting in this outbreak. It is recommended to strengthen health education for people raising, selling and slaughtering livestock, and publicize zoonotic disease control knowledge, including anthrax, and establish an effective surveillance and response system for anthrax for immediate identification and treatment of epidemics.

Caracterización epidemiológica de los casos humanos de ántrax en Perú, 2015 - 2019

Introducción. La epidemiología del ántrax en Perú es poco conocida. Su alto potencial epidémico y epizoótico podría amenazar la salud pública, especialmente desde sus regiones endémicas. Objetivo. Caracterizar los casos de ántrax humano en Perú del 2015 al 2019. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal retrospectivo, a partir de los datos del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica e investigaciones de brotes en Perú del 2015 al 2019. Resultados. 71 casos de ántrax humano fueron registrados, 34 % (n = 24) confirmados y66 % (n = 47) probables. Los más afectados fueron varones (55 %) y el grupo etario de 30 a 59 años (45 %). Los casos estuvieron distribuidos principalmente en la costa norte del país. La forma cutánea autolimitada en miembros superiores fue la presentación clínica más frecuente. El 94 % (n = 67) de los casos tuvieron contacto con ganado vacuno infectado. Conclusión. Los casos de ántrax humano en Perú fueron en su mayoría de la forma cutánea, que se presentaron por brotes focalizados en áreas con antecedentes de trasmisión zoonótica. Este reporte pretende aportar al conocimiento epidemiológico de esta enfermedad y servir como insumo en la implementación de medidas de prevención y control.

Introduction. The epidemiology of anthrax in Peru is poorly understood. Its high epidemic and epizootic potential could threaten public health, especially in its endemic regions. Objective. To characterize cases of human anthrax in Peru from 2015 to 2019. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out; based on data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System and investigations of anthrax outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 in Peru. Results. 71 cases of human anthrax were registered, 34 % (n = 24)confirmed and 66 % (n = 47) probable. The most affected were males (55 %) and the age group from 30to 59 years (45 %), distributed mainly on the north coast of the country. The self-limited cutaneous form was the most frequent clinical presentation. 94% (n = 67) of the cases had contact with infected cattle. Conclusions. The cases of human anthrax in Peru appear as focalized outbreaks in areas with a history of zoonotic transmission. This report aims to contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of this disease and serve as input in the implementation of prevention and control measures.

Seguridad ocupacional contra Bacillus anthracis en la industria de curtiembre peruana / Occupational safety against Bacillus anthracis in the Peruvian tannery industry

El carbunco es una zoonosis que afecta a animales herbívoros, causada por el microorganismo Bacillus anthracis; que se encuentra en su forma vegetativa en el organismo infectado, y una vez en contacto con el aire forma esporas que infectan al huésped, liberando toxinas que inducen edema, septicemia y necrosis tisular. En humanos, la transmisión se produce por cortes, pinchazos o contacto directo de piel lesionada con esporas o tejidos de animales infectados. En Perú, para la década de 1980, se reportaron 400 casos anuales en áreas rurales agrícolas, adquiridos por manipulación del ganado vacuno, muerto por ántrax. Es por ello, que la piel y el cuero procedente de animales infectados representa un riesgo de infección para los trabajadores de industrias curtiembres. Se realizó un estudio transversal para evaluar el riesgo biológico ocupacional y las medidas de bioseguridad relacionadas con el Bacillus anthracis en pequeñas, medianas y grandes empresas curtiembres peruanas. Se aplicó un instrumento a los trabajadores para cuantificar las variables, componentes de riesgo biológico y conocer las medidas higiénicas adoptadas. Posteriormente se calculó e interpretó el nivel de riesgo biológico. Se encontró que el nivel de riesgo supera el límite de exposición biológica para el Bacillus anthracis en todas las empresas evaluadas y los trabajadores de las pequeñas empresas tienen poco conocimiento acerca del riesgo biológico al que están expuestos, siendo necesaria la capacitación de los trabajadores acerca del Bacillus anthracis y adopción de medidas de bioseguridad en empresas curtiembres, que garanticen la salud de los trabajadores(AU)

Anthrax is a zoonosis that affects herbivorous animals, caused by the microorganism Bacillus anthracis; which is found in its vegetative form in the infected organism, and once in contact with the air it forms spores that infect the host, releasing toxins that induce edema, septicemia and tissue necrosis. In humans, transmission occurs through cuts, punctures, or direct contact of broken skin with spores or tissues of infected animals. In Peru, for the 1980s, 400 annual cases were reported in rural agricultural areas, acquired by handling cattle, which died of anthrax. For this reason, the skin and leather from infected animals represent a risk of infection for workers in tanneries. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the occupational biological risk and biosafety measures related to Bacillus anthracis in small, medium and large Peruvian tanneries. An instrument was applied to the workers to quantify the variables, components of biological risk and to know the hygienic measures adopted. Subsequently, the level of biological risk was calculated and interpreted. It was found that the level of risk exceeds the biological exposure limit for Bacillus anthracis in all the companies evaluated and the workers of the small companies have little knowledge about the biological risk to which they are exposed, being necessary the training of the workers about the Bacillus anthracis and adoption of biosafety measures in tanneries, which guarantee the health of workers(AU)

An investigation report of cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Huanan County of Jiamusi City, Heilongjiang Province / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the causes and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in Huanan County of Jiamusi City, Heilongjiang Province, so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of anthrax.Methods:According to the "Anthrax Epidemiological Case Investigation Form", the field epidemiological investigation was used to investigate the anthrax cases reported in the disease surveillance information report management system (including epidemiological contact history and close contact information); the wound secretion and blood sample anthrax case of and tissue samples of diseased cattle were collected for laboratory testing ( Bacillus anthracis smear microscopy, bacterial isolation and culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:A total of 8 cases of cutaneous anthrax were reported in this epidemic, including 6 clinically diagnosed cases and 2 confirmed cases (1 death), all of whom were farmers. The diseased cattle tissue samples were examined by smear microscopy and bacterial isolation and culture testing, and were identified as bovine anthrax, the source of the epidemic was determined to be dead cattle; the mode of transmission was mainly direct contact infection. A total of 228 people were in contact with the epidemic, 19 directly involved in peeling and segmentation, and 11 in transportation and loading and unloading, all of which were included as the key observation subjects; 198 people who had the behaviors of buying, processing, eating and storage were all included as the general observation subjects.Conclusions:Slaughtering and contacting infected cattle by key occupational groups are the main reasons for the epidemic. Health education should be strengthened for key populations in rural aquaculture industry to prevent and control the occurrence of anthrax.

Sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Shaanxi Province, China: report of two cases from 2018

ABSTRACT China's compulsory annual livestock anthrax vaccination policy has remarkably reduced but not completely eradicated human anthrax infections. Herein we describe a sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak involving two cases in 2018 in Shaanxi Province, both involving herdsman who dealt with unvaccinated and potentially sick cattle. Both patients showed Bacillus anthracis-positive blister smear and blood culture. Treatment with penicillin was followed by uneventful recovery for both. The prompt performance of the prophylactic measures successfully interrupted the further transmission of this sporadic human cutaneous anthrax outbreak.

Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km2 and then in Saqez (54.36%) with a potential area of 2 422.4 km2. Conclusions: A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax. Therefore, it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province.

Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km

Detection of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus anthracis-like spores in soil from state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BACKGROUND Bacillus anthracis is the aetiologic agent of anthrax, a re-emerging, septicaemic, haemorrhagic and lethal disease that affects humans, domestic ruminants and wildlife. Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 are attributes that confer pathogenicity to B. anthracis strains. This bacterium was used as biological weapon in the World Wars and in the biological attack in the United States of America at 2001. B. anthracis is classified as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. Anthrax is recognised as a re-emerging disease. Several studies concerning the dynamics of B. anthracis cycle in soil revealed that nonpathogenic B. anthracis strains due to lack of pXO2 plasmid are commonly found in some types of soil. OBJECTIVES This study aimed isolation and identification of B. anthracis spores in soil samples of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS Phenotypic and genotypic approaches were used to identify isolates including MALDI-TOF/MS, motility test, susceptibility to gamma phage and penicillin, survey for pag and cap genes as surrogates of pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids, respectively, and sequencing of 16SrRNA-encoding gene. Physicochemical analysis of the soil samples were carried out to describe soil characteristics. FINDINGS We observed the presence of one B. anthracis pXO1+ and pXO2- isolated from clay loam soil; one B. anthracis-like strain pXO1+ and pXO2-isolated from loamy sand; and 10 Bacillus spp. strains sensitive to phage-gamma that need better characterisation to define which their species were recovered from loamy sand. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work showed promising results and it was the first study to report results from an active surveillance for B. anthracis in Brazil.

Bovine abortion by a vaccine strain of Bacillus anthracis / Aborto bovino por uma cepa vacinal de Bacillus anthracis

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the abortion of a male Aberdeen Angus bovine by a vaccine strain of Bacillus anthracis, describing the pathological and microbiological findings and the genome sequence. Necropsy findings included multifocal areas of hemorrhage in different organs. Histologically, various organs showed hemorrhage, fibrin exudation, necrosis associated with countless bacillary bacterial clumps and severe neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate. In the microbiological examination, numerous rough, nonhemolytic, gray and dry colonies with irregular edges were isolated from liver, lung and abomasum content samples. Gram staining revealed square-ended Gram-positive rods arranged in chains. B. anthracis identification was confirmed by detection of the molecular chromosomal marker Ba813. The genomes from the isolated B. anthracis (named SPV842_15) and from the isolated vaccinal strain (Brazilian vaccinal strain), which was recovered from a commercial vaccine used in the pregnant cow, were sequenced. Genomic comparisons displayed a high level of nucleotide identity in the comparisons between B. anthracis SPV842_15 and the B. anthracis Brazilian vaccinal strain (98,2%). Furthermore, in both strains, only the plasmid pX01 sequence was detected. Although, vaccination against anthrax is characterized by an elevated protective profile and very low residual virulence, immunization with Sterne strains can cause abortion in cattle, presumably by the plasmid pX01 toxins in rare or special situations.

RESUMO: Este trabalho relata um aborto de um bovino, macho, Aberdeen Angus, por uma cepa vacinal de Bacillus anthracis, descreve os achados patológicos, microbiológicos e o sequenciamento do genoma. Os achados de necropsia incluíram áreas multifocais de hemorragias em diferentes órgãos. Histologicamente, órgãos afetados apresentaram hemorragia, exsudação de fibrina, necrose associada a miríades bacterianas bacilares e intenso infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico. No exame microbiológico, foram isoladas numerosas colônias rugosas, não hemolíticas, cinzas e secas, com bordas irregulares a partir de amostras de fígado, pulmão e conteúdo do abomaso. A coloração de Gram revelou bastonetes Gram-positivos dispostos em cadeias. A identificação do B. anthracis foi confirmada pela detecção do marcador cromossômico molecular Ba813. Os genomas do isolado B. anthracis (SPV842_15) e do isolado vacinal (cepa vacinal brasileira), recuperado de uma vacina comercial utilizada na vaca prenhe, foram sequenciados. Comparações genômicas mostraram um elevado nível de identidade de nucleotídeos entre B. anthracis SPV842_15 e cepa vacinal brasileira (98,2%). Além disso, em ambas as estirpes foi detectada apenas a sequência do plasmídeo pX01. Embora a vacinação contra o antraz seja caracterizada por um perfil protetor elevado e uma virulência residual muito baixa, a imunização com estirpes de Sterne pode causar aborto em bovinos, presumivelmente pelas toxinas do plasmídeo pX01 em situações raras ou específicas.

A morning with Louis Pasteur: a short history of the "clean hands" / Uma manhã com Louis Pasteur: uma breve história das "mãos limpas" / Una mañana con Louis Pasteur: una pequeña historia sobre las "manos limpias"

Abstract: This article examines the story of Louis Pasteur from the point of view of a classic movie presented at the Weekly Seminars of the "Oswaldo Cruz Institute", at the end of the 2017 activities. Although very old, the movie The Story of Louis Pasteur (Warner Bros., 1936) inspired spectators and gave rise to an energetic debate that led the authors to decide for publishing the comments of the Seminar Coordinator, the guest commentator and the audience. The movie communicates to the public the legacy of one of the greatest precursors of the public health history using also fictional characters. The article presents the reliable passages in Pasteur's biography and the fictional ones, without disrespecting the production of the creators of cinematographic work. The major merit of the movie, one of the first steps towards the policy of scientific diffusion, is to disclose the importance of vaccines and hand hygiene to prevent infectious diseases. The authors argue that the film-maker impeccably captured the scientist's tenacity in the relentless search for discoveries and Pasteur's idea that only persistent work can lead to rewarding results, remembering that the context created by previous researchers enabled Pasteur to establish new paradigms. Finally, the authors cite movie passages illustrating realities that are still in force: (i) the inertial resistance of science to new paradigms, illustrated by the medical-scientific community opposing to simple practices proposition, such as washing hands and boiling instruments, and (ii) the excessive confidence, and even arrogance, of some specialists, instead of serenity and humility that arise from committed study and accumulated knowledge.

Resumo: O artigo examina a história de Louis Pasteur do ponto de vista de um filme clássico que foi projetado durante os Seminários Semanais do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz no final das atividades de 2017. Embora bastante antigo, o filme The Story of Louis Pasteur (Warner Bros., 1936) inspirou os espectadores e deu lugar a um debate animado que levou os autores a decidir publicar os comentários da Coordenadora dos Seminários, do debatedor convidado e do público. O filme incorpora personagens reais e fictícios para comunicar ao público o legado de um dos maiores precursores da história da saúde pública. O artigo destaca os episódios reais da biografia de Pasteur e também os ficcionais, sem desmerecer o trabalho dos criadores cinematográficos. O principal mérito do filme, um dos primeiros passos de uma política de divulgação científica, é de revelar a importância das vacinas e da higiene das mãos na prevenção das doenças infecciosas. Os autores argumentam que o cineasta retratou primorosamente a tenacidade do grande cientista na busca incansável por descobertas, além de sua ideia de que somente o trabalho persistente pode levar a resultados recompensadores, lembrando que o contexto criado por pesquisadores anteriores permitiu que Pasteur estabelecesse paradigmas novos. Finalmente, os autores citam trechos do filme que ilustram realidades que persistem até os dias de hoje: (i) a tendência da ciência de resistir, por inércia, aos paradigmas novos, exemplificada pela oposição da comunidade de ciência médica à proposição de práticas simples como a lavagem de mãos e a fervura de instrumentos e (ii) a confiança excessiva, e até arrogância, de alguns especialistas, em vez da serenidade e da humildade que nascem da pesquisa dedicada e do conhecimento acumulado.

Resumen: Este artículo examina la historia de Louis Pasteur desde el punto de vista de una película clásica, presentada en los Seminarios Semanales del Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, al final de las actividades de 2017. A pesar de ser muy antigua, la película The Story of Louis Pasteur (Warner Bros., 1936) inspiró a los espectadores y provocó un animado debate que condujo a los autores a la decisión de publicar los comentarios de la Coordinadora de los Seminarios, así como los del comentarista invitado y de la audiencia. Utilizando también personajes de ficción, la película transmitía al público el legado de uno de los más grandes precursores de la historia de la salud pública. El artículo señala pasajes fidedignos en la biografía de Pasteur y ficticios, sin menoscabar el trabajo de los creadores cinematográficos. El mayor mérito de la película, uno de los primeros pasos hacia la política de divulgación científica, es revelar la importancia de las vacunas y de la higiene de las manos para prevenir enfermedades infecciosas. Los autores enfatizan que el director de la película capturó impecablemente la tenacidad del científico en su búsqueda sin descanso de descubrimientos, así como su idea de que solo un trabajo persistente podía conducir a resultados gratificantes, recordando que el contexto creado por investigadores previos permitieron a Pasteur establecer nuevos paradigmas. Finalmente, los autores citan pasajes de la película que ilustran realidades todavía muy vigentes: (i) la resistencia por inercia de la ciencia a nuevos paradigmas, ilustrados por la oposición de la comunidad médico-científica hacia la propuesta de prácticas simples, tales como lavarse las manos y hervir los instrumentos, así como (ii) la excesiva confianza, e incluso arrogancia, de algunos especialistas, en lugar de la serenidad y humildad que surgen del estudio realizado y el conocimiento acumulado.

Early Detection of Bacillus anthracis From Saliva in Anticipation of a Bioterrorism Attack

Objective: To assess potential for early detection of oral infection by B. anthracis spores for preparedness of a bioterrorism attack. Material and Methods: The laboratory study used saliva with a range of initial anthrax concentrations, to compare detection by direct observation from conventional blood agar culture and by anthrax-specific PCR after a shorter culture in BHI broth. Three types of saliva were collected: stimulated saliva, unstimulated/whole saliva, and unstimulated/whole saliva with antibiotic treatment (for negative control). Using bivariate Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests for statistical analysis for factors that could affecting anthrax detection, significant differences between the test groups was assumed at p<0.05. Results: From unstimulated whole saliva heat shock treated at 62.50C, B. anthracis growth was detected with both methods. PCR detection from a BHI broth culture could shorten the time to diagnosis in comparison to conventional culture in blood agar. Conclusion: Saliva can provide useful samples for diagnosis of oropharyngeal anthrax. In comparison to conventional culture on blood agar, shorter-term culture in BHI broth provides potential for earlier detection and diagnosis.

Effect of simultaneous administration of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and anthrax vaccines on antibody response to FMD in sheep

PURPOSE: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and anthrax are important diseases in sheep. Vaccination is a favorable strategy against both infections. Simultaneous administration of vaccines does generally not impede the immune responses of each other, although there are some exceptions, and it may help reduce the labor and costs of vaccination as well as distress on animals. Although oil adjuvant FMD vaccine has been tried with live anthrax vaccine in cattle, there are no reports on the simultaneous use of both vaccines in sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, FMD seronegative sheep were used to investigate the impact of the simultaneous vaccination of FMD and anthrax on FMD antibody titers of sheep. Virus neutralization test and liquid phase blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine the antibody response to the FMD vaccine. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that both vaccines can be used simultaneously without any interference with the FMD response. Moreover, the simultaneous administration with anthrax vaccine had a stimulating effect on the early (day 7 post-vaccination) virus neutralization antibody response to the FMD vaccine. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous use of the FMD and anthrax vaccines did not hinder the response to the FMD vaccine in sheep.

Evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Bacillus anthracis strains isolated during anthrax outbreaks in Italy from 1984 to 2017

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a non-contagious infectious disease that affects a wide range of animal species (primarily ruminants) including humans. Due to the often-fatal outcome in humans, quick administration of definitely effective antimicrobials is crucial either as prophylaxis or as a clinical case therapy. In this study, 110 B. anthracis strains, temporally, geographically, and genetically different, isolated during anthrax outbreaks in Italy from 1984 to 2017, were screened using a broth microdilution method to determine their susceptibility to 16 clinically relevant antimicrobial agents. The strains were isolated from various matrices (human, animal, and environmental samples) and were representative of thirty distinct genotypes previously identified by 15-loci multiple-locus variable-number of tandem repeats analysis. The antimicrobials tested were gentamicin, ceftriaxone, streptomycin, penicillin G, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, linezolid, cefotaxime, tetracycline, erythromycin, rifampin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and trimethoprim. All isolates were susceptible to most of the tested antimicrobials, with the exception of trimethoprim for which all of them showed high minimal inhibitory concentration values. An intermediate level of susceptibility was recorded for ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin for treatment of human cases and for post-exposure prophylaxis to anthrax spores, this study shows a high degree of in vitro susceptibility of B. anthracis to many other antimicrobials, suggesting the possibility of an alternative choice for prophylaxis and therapy.

An evaluation method for medical intervention effect of urban anthrax aerosol terrorist attacks / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To establish a quantitative evaluation method for medical treatment effect of anthrax aerosol terrorist attacks. Methods We established an evaluation framework for the medical treatment effect of anthrax events through constructing the decision tree model of medical intervention after anthrax exposure, the allocation model of key resources consumption and the model of population state transition under different intervention measures. Then, under the scenario of the anthrax terrorist attacks in the big cities of China, we analyzed and evaluated the effects of 52 intervention strategies on the number of cases, peak value, and deaths based on the discrete event simulation method. Results The intervention effect was sensitive to time delay in intervention and resource reserve. When time delay in intervention was 1 h after the attack, the resource stock increase from 25% to 100% could reduce the deaths by 59.91%; while only about 7.33% of the deaths were reduced when the intervention was performed at 145 h after the attack. The intervention strategy had little effect on the peak time of the morbidity, with the maximum value being 10.52 d and the minimum value being 9.67 d; but it had a greater impact on the peak number of patients, with the maximum value being 255 072 patients and the minimum value being 103 943 patients. Conclusion A quantitative evaluation method for medical treatment effect of anthrax aerosol terrorist attacks is established in this study, and it may be conducive to medical rescue capacity building and emergency strategy-making.

Ántrax cutáneo, último brote diagnosticado en Chile / Cutaneous anthrax, the last outbreak diagnosed in Chile

Resumen El ántrax, es una zoonosis causada por una bacteria generadora de esporas, llamada Bacillus anthracis. En forma natural tiene una distribución global, con una predilección en zonas agrícolas con pocas normativas de sanidad pública veterinaria. El contagio humano ocurre por el consumo de carnes de animales enfermos, por contacto a través de una puerta de entrada en la piel o por la inhalación de esporas de productos derivados del animal afectado (lana, cuero, huesos). La infección en los seres humanos compromete con mayor frecuencia la piel, seguido por el tracto gastrointestinal y los pulmones. El control de la enfermedad se basa en la prevención, de allí la importancia de la vigilancia en la detección de casos y brotes. Presentamos el último brote de ántrax cutáneo diagnosticado en Chile con descripción de dos primeros casos clínicos del brote.

Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by a spore-forming bacterium, called Bacillus anthracis. Naturally it is of global distribution, with a predilection in agricultural zones with few norms of public veterinary health. Human contagion occurs through the consumption of diseased animal's meat or through a doorway into the skin or through the spores inhalation of products derived from the affected animal (wool, leather, bones). The most frequent infection in humans occurs in the skin, followed by the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. We present the last outbreak of cutaneous anthrax diagnosed in Chile with a description of the first two clinical cases of the outbreak. Control disease is based on prevention, hence the importance of surveillance in detecting cases and outbreaks.

Genome sequencing of two Bacillus anthracis strains: a virulent strain and a vaccinal strain

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis strain SPV842_15 was isolated from bovine fetus, while B. anthracis strain Brazilian vaccinal was recovered from a commercial vaccine. We report here the genome sequences of both strains. The SPV842_15 genome is composed of a single circular chromosome with a length of 5,228,664 base pairs, and comprises 5911 coding sequences. In turn, the Brazilian vaccinal genome remains in 201 contigs with 5733 coding sequences. Both genomes have an overall C + G content of 35.4%, and 11 genes encoding the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) 5S, 16S and 23S. Only the plasmid pX01 sequence, which carries genes for toxins synthesis, was detected and completely assembled for both strains. These plasmids have a length of 181,684 base pairs and a C + G content of 32.5%. These genomic data generate insights about vaccinal B. anthracis virulence.

An outbreak of cutaneous anthraxcaused by slaughter sick cow in Xinjiang, China, 2016 / 中国人兽共患病学报

On June 6,2016,an outbreak of suspected cutaneous anthrax was reported by T County CDC,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous,China.An investigation was carried out to determine the magnitude and risk factors and to recommend control measures.Suspected cases were defined as any villager in T county residents whose skin appeared rash,blisters,ulceration,swelling of black eschar or ulcer between May 1 and June 8.Confirmed case were defined as suspected case plus serological positive,real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive or Bacillus anthraci isolated.We interviewed clinicians and reviewed medical files in the township and city hospital,and visited all households searching for cases.A case-control study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of human anthrax infection.Three types of specimens were collected and tested by serological detection,real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial culture.Through epidemiological investigation,15 families purchased beef of a sick cow on May 26,2016.Between 29 May and 3 June,ten people from these families were diagnosed as skin anthrax.Among them,six were confirmed cases and four were suspected cases.The attack rate was 20％.The incubation period was 3 to 7 days with average incubation 5 days.The nain clinical manifestations were hand skin anthrax carbuncle.Case control study showed that the incidences of people who exposing or not exposing to contaminated beefs significantly different,with 53％ and 0％ respectively.Blood serums from six patients showed that specific antibody titer appeared to increase more than 4 times.B.anthraci was isolated from herpes fluid of one patient.B.anthraci nucleic acid was detected from beef collected from four families.The outbreak was caused by the villagers exposed sick cow which infected by B.anthraci.Contaminated beef caused the infections.

Small-molecule inhibitors of anthrax toxin / 国际药学研究杂志

Anthrax is a malignant infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis spores,after entering the host Bacillus an-thracis produces and releases anthrax toxin,which is the main cause leading to death of the host. The anthrax toxin is composed of two enzymatically active components:lethal factor(LF)and edema factor(EF),and one shared receptor binding and translocation com-ponent:protective antigen(PA). PA combined with LF is called lethal toxin(LeTx),while PA combined with EF called edema toxin (EdTx). Currently,the main drugs for treating anthrax are antibiotics,but antibiotics can only kill part of anthrax spores and bacte-ria,and cannot inhibit the activity of anthrax toxin. So it is necessary to develop novel drugs for inhibiting anthrax toxin. This review summarizes the evolution of small-molecule inhibitors of anthrax toxin respectively targeting PA,LF and EF.