Molecular diversity of Bacillus anthracis in Italy

Antonio Fasanella, Matthew Van Ert, Settimia A. Altamura, Giuliano Garofolo, Canio Buonavoglia, Guido Leori, Lynn Huynh, Shaylan Zanecki, Paul Keim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

We used multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) to type 64 Bacillus anthracis isolates from outbreaks that have occurred during the past 40 years in Italy. MLVA of the 64 isolates revealed 10 unique genotypes; 9 of these genotypes and the majority of isolates (63/64) belonged to the previously described genetic cluster A1.a. Within the A1.a isolates, two previously described genotypes (G1 and G3), which differ by a single mutation in the pX01 locus, account for the majority of isolates in the country (53/63). The low diversity of B. anthracis genotypes in Italy suggests a single, dominant historical introduction, followed by limited localized differentiation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3398-3401
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)

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