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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1976

[Preparation and study of the anthrax protective antigen. II. Development of test preparations for the assessment of the quality of anthrax chemical vaccines and of the antigens obtained at various stages of its preparation].

A homogeneous anthrax protective antigen (from the ST-I strain) characterized by a high immunogenicity and stability was obtained. Hyperimmune, monospecific to this preparation antiserum was prepared. It is suggested that these preparations can be used for the assessment of the quality of the anthrax chemical vaccine and of the antigens obtained at various stages of its preparation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Immunization against anthrax with aromatic compound-dependent (Aro-) mutants of Bacillus anthracis and with recombinant strains of Bacillus subtilis that produce anthrax protective antigen.

The safety and efficacy of five prototype, live anthrax vaccines were studied in Hartley guinea pigs and CBA/J and A/J mice. Two of the strains, Bacillus anthracis FD111 and FD112, are Aro- mutants derived by Tn916 mutagenesis of B. anthracis UM23-1. Bacillus subtilis PA1 and PA2 contain a recombinant plasmid, pPA101 or pPA102, respectively, that carries the gene from B. anthracis encoding synthesis of protective antigen (PA). The final strain, B. subtilis PA7, was isolated in this study from B. subtilis DB104 transformed with pPA101. All five strains were less virulent in guinea pigs and A/J and CBA/J mice than the toxinogenic, nonencapsulated B. anthracis veterinary vaccine Sterne strain. A/J and CBA/J inbred mice represent strains that are innately susceptible and resistant, respectively, to the Sterne strain. These differences in susceptibility are due to differences in ability to produce complement component 5. In guinea pigs, immunization with PA1 or PA2 vegetative cells or PA7 spores protected greater than or equal to 95% from an intramuscular spore challenge with the virulent, "vaccine-resistant" B. anthracis Ames strain. Strain PA2 vegetative cells and strain PA7 spores were as effective as the Sterne strain in Sterne-resistant CBA/J mice, protecting 70% of the mice from Ames strain spore challenge. Immunization with FD111 or FD112 vegetative cells fully protected guinea pigs from challenge. Immunization with FD111 cells protected up to 100% of CBA/J mice and up to 70% of A/J mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

[Production and study of anthrax antigen. I. Nutrient medium for production of native anthrax protective antigen].

The authors present the results of studies concerning the choice of nutrient bases and elaboration of a medium for obtaining anthrax protective antigen providing an active preparation. Filtrates of crude cultures obtained on the nutrient medium prepared of 3% hydrochloric hydrolyzate of fish flour, corn extract, glucose, sodium bicarbonate and mineral salts proved to be the most active. Tests for determination of usefulness of the culture fluids with the maximum content in them of the protective antigen are recommended.

Anthrax↗
PubMed1978

[Diagnosis of anthrax and para-anthrax with reference to immunofluorescence technic].

504 diagnostic samples were subjected to a fluorescence serology and culturah test for black quarter and malignant oedema. In 459 cases (91.1%) the results of both testing methods wede identical. 26 first results were made by culture (14 X malignant oedema, 12 X black quarter). 19 results (14 malignant oedema, 5 X black quarter) were obtained by immuno-fluorescence only. Culture was shown to be not significantly better than fluorescence, especially in determining black quarter. In the diagnosis of black quarter and malignant oedema the combination of immunofluorescence with culture can be considered as the optimal testing method available at the present time, in that by this method there would be no need for an additional diagnostic test on the animal.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Serology and anthrax in humans, livestock and Etosha National Park wildlife.

Results are presented from a number of epidemiological studies using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) based on the purified anthrax toxin antigens, protective antigen, lethal factor and oedema factor. Studies on sera from a group of 62 human anthrax patients in Turkey and from cattle in Britain following two unrelated outbreaks of anthrax show that EIA using protective antigen can be a useful diagnostic aid and will detect subclinical infections in appropriate circumstances. A serological survey on wildlife in the Etosha National Park, Namibia, where anthrax is endemic, showed that naturally acquired anthrax-specific antibodies are rare in herbivores but common in carnivores; in carnivores, titres appear to reflect the prevalence of anthrax in their ranges. Problems, as yet unresolved, were encountered in studies on sera from pigs following an outbreak of anthrax on a farm in Wales. Clinical details, including treatment, of the human and one of the bovine outbreaks are summarized and discussed in relation to the serological findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[An anthrax epidemic in Switzerland. Clinical, diagnostic and epidemiological aspects of a mostly forgotten disease].

On average in Switzerland there is only one case of human anthrax every two years, and this is almost exclusively caused through contact with sick animals in agriculture. However, within less than 3 years, 25 workers in one textile factory have contracted this anthropo-zoonosis. 24 cases had cutaneous and one inhalation anthrax. The infection was imported in goat's hair from Pakistan. This almost unique industrial epidemic was due to various circumstances. In particular, the rarity of the illness contributed to a general lack of experience and therefore hindered recognition of the clinical symptoms. In addition, repeated attempts failed to identify the pathogenic agent conclusively. In most cases, the diagnosis was only confirmed retrospectively using the Russian allergen "Anthraxin"--an intracutaneous test unknown up to that time in human medicine in the West--and later also by EIA. All the patients recovered. The clinical picture, diagnosis and epidemiology of cutaneous anthrax are described in detail. The typical features are, in the beginning, a pruritic insect-bite-like pimple, then a painless ulcer surrounded by serous-hemorrhagic, often rapidly confluent vesicles and non-pitting edema. On the ground of the ulcer a black necrosis develops which is never colliquative but is transformed into the typical pitch-black firmly adherent eschar. Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis are concomitant manifestations. The bacteriological findings and occupational history are decisive for the diagnosis. Anthrax spores can survive many decades. The vegetative organisms are highly susceptible to almost all antibiotics. The latter prevent the invasion of the anthrax bacilli and the toxinemia if administered in time, but they do not influence the development of the local lesions. For the detection of anthrax bacillus, sterile swabs should be soaked in the fluid of the vesicles. It must be done before beginning of any antibiotic treatment. For the examination of animal products, preparatory procedures are necessary to destroy contaminants that may be antagonistic to or overgrow Bacillus anthracis.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of anthrax in Kazakhstan in 2024.

BACKGROUND: Anthrax remains an important zoonotic disease in Kazakhstan due to the persistence of environmental reservoirs and long-standing endemic foci. Despite ongoing surveillance, the epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of circulating Bacillus anthracis strains in the country remain incompletely understood. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological and phylogenetic investigation of anthrax outbreaks reported in Kazakhstan during 2024 was conducted. Epidemiological data were collected for all laboratory-confirmed human cases and associated outbreak foci. Confirmation of infection was performed by PCR, and B. anthracis isolates were obtained from clinical, environmental and animal-associated samples. Whole-genome sequencing and core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis were used to characterize the genetic relationships among isolates and to determine their phylogenetic placement. RESULTS: Nine anthrax outbreaks were identified across four regions of Kazakhstan (Almaty, Zhambyl, Atyrau, and West Kazakhstan), resulting in 20 confirmed human cases. All patients were male, with the highest proportion occurring among individuals aged 36-55 years (45%). The mean patient age was 43.9 years (range: 16-64 years). Most infections were associated with slaughtering infected livestock (65%), followed by handling contaminated meat (15%). PCR confirmed infection in all 20 human cases. Culture yielded 17 human-derived B. anthracis isolates from 14 patients and 17 environmental/animal-derived isolates, resulting in 34 isolates in total. Of these, 22 representative isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of two major lineages. Isolates from Atyrau and West Kazakhstan clustered within the Trans-Eurasian (TEA/STI) lineage. Atyrau isolates formed a tight cluster differing by only 21-32 cgSNPs, consistent with a shared epidemiolocal source, whereas the West Kazakhstan isolate was highly divergent. Zhambyl and Almaty region belonged to the A.Br.Ames lineage but diverged into two distinct sublineages. Zhambyl region isolates demonstrated minimal divergence from the global reference genome Ames Ancestor, differing by only 16-31 SNPs. Almaty region isolates formed an endemic subclone, separated from the reference group by approximately 114 SNPs. Comparison with the Ames Ancestor and Sterne reference strains demonstrated substantial genetic divergence. CONCLUSION: Anthrax outbreaks in Kazakhstan during 2024 were primarily associated with livestock exposure and occurred within established endemic regions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the coexistence of distinct TEA and Ames lineages, including evidence of persistent local transmission and long-term evolutionary stability of endemic B. anthracis populations. These findings enhance understanding of anthrax epidemiology in Central Asia and support the integration of genomic surveillance into national outbreak investigation programs.

Anthrax↗
PubMed2026

Epidemiological Characteristics of Anthrax and Bacillus anthracis Strains - China, 2020-2024.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of anthrax in China has declined since 1990 but has resurged in recent years. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of anthrax and Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) in China from 2020 to 2024 to inform control strategies. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was performed of case characteristics. B. anthracis strains underwent whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenetic relationships were determined by core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) and canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) analysis. RESULTS: Between 2020 and 2024, 1,870 anthrax cases were reported, with a 0.59% case fatality rate. The majority of cases were cutaneous and the incidence increased from year to year. Cases were distributed across 12 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs), with most regions showing an increased incidence between 2021 and 2024. Farmers and herders were the most affected occupational groups, and farmers accounted for an increasing proportion of cases. Cases were primarily concentrated among young and middle-aged men and peaked between July and September. A total of 185 B. anthracis strains were identified in the 12 PLADs and were classified into four sublineages (A.Br.001/002, A.Br.Ames, A.Br.Vollum, and A.Br.005/006). A.Br.001/002 was the most prevalent and widely distributed sublineage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 14 branches, demonstrating population diversity. Cross-clustering was present among strains from different PLADs. CONCLUSIONS: From 2020 to 2024, anthrax cases generally followed historical patterns but the incidence increased, with broader geographical spread, more diverse clinical types, and interprovincial transmission. These findings highlight the need to strengthen anthrax control efforts, particularly in the central and eastern PLADs.

Anthrax↗
PubMed1992

An epidemic of human anthrax--a study.

Twenty-five cases of human anthrax, occurring after contact with a Jercy cow infected with B. anthracis and consumption of its improperly cooked meat after death, were reported. Cutaneous anthrax was the predominant variety in 18 persons, 7 had intestinal anthrax, out of them 2 children died, 5 adults survived and one among them developed associated cutaneous anthrax also. All the persons with cutaneous anthrax recovered with treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Outbreak of anthrax in Thailand.

An outbreak of anthrax occurred among 14 persons exposed to the meat of two water buffalo which had died from anthrax, in two neighbouring villages in the northeastern region of Thailand. All but one case had typical eschars or blisters. Three had eaten raw meat; one of them died from gastric anthrax with severe haematemesis. All the others were successfully treated with penicillin. The incubation period varied between two and 11 days. Sporadic outbreaks of human and animal anthrax still occur in Southeast Asia.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Anthrax in children: a long forgotten, potentially fatal infection.

After a brief account of anthrax morbidity in northern Greece in recent years, 4 cases in 1977 of cutaneous anthrax in 10 to 13-year-old children are presented. Two had an atypical cutaneous lesion. In 1 of these, a 13-year-old girl, the disease was complicated by severe, eventually fatal meningitis. Death ensued despite intensive treatment with high doses of penicillin and hydrocortisone. This case is the first report of anthrax meningitis in a child in Greece and the third reported in the last 15 years. We stress the diagnostic difficulties in atypical cases of cutaneous anthrax and the need for early diagnosis and treatment to avoid spread of infection and appearance of complications such as the usually fatal meningitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Outbreak of human anthrax in Ramabhadrapuram village of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh.

Thirty human anthrax cases were reported from Ramabhadrapuram village of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh during November-December, 1989. These cases occurred following an epizootic of anthrax among cattle and sheep of the village and ingestion of contaminated meat by the villagers. The overall attack rate was 24.39 per cent with a case fatality of 16.67 per cent. All age groups and both sexes were affected. Ten cases were of cutaneous form with typical black eschar formation which were confirmed bacteriologically. Fever and headache were common systemic manifestations. They responded well to penicillins and there was no mortality. The possibility of human to human spread is suggested. The twenty cases of internal anthrax comprised intestinal, septicemic, peritonitis, meningeal and pulmonary forms. Sub-clinical forms also occurred. Fever, abdominal pain, ascites, anorexia and vomiting were notable features. Diagnosis was made clinically and also on epidemiological basis. All deaths during this outbreak occurred in women with internal anthrax, the case fatality rate for the latter being 25 per cent. Prophylactic administration of penicillin was done for individuals at risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

[Experimental immunologic study of a protective anthrax preparation].

Rabbits and sheep immunized with protective anthrax preparation and live anthrax vaccines were examined. Protective anthrax preparation caused changes characteristic of general immunomorphology and immunomorphological reaction of the humoral type. A marked resistance in infection with the virulent anthrax culture was revealed in the animals immunized with this preparation and in those--with live vaccines. Skin allergic reactions were more intensive in sheep immunized with live Ikhtiman's vaccine; there was no reaction in the animals immunized with the protective preparation.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

[Use of protective anthrax antigen in agglutination reactions].

The latex- and hemagglutination tests were applied to determination of the titres of anthrax antibodies in the sera of 982 immunized sheep. Monodispersive standard colur latex of polymethylmetacrylate and protective anthrax antigen was used in these tests. On the basis of the results of titration of control sera titres of anthrax antibodies over 1:16 in the latex- and hemagglutination tests were accepted as positive. There was revealed no difference between the sera of the immunized animals reacting positively in both tests (d = 1.87 less than delta = 2.94 at P = 0.95). The difference between the positive titres determined in the latex-agglutination (55.78%) and hemagglutination (44.41%) tests was significant (d = 11.37 less than delta = 4.39 at P = 0.95). Consequently, both tests could be used for the purpose of determination of anthrax antibody titres, but the latex-agglutination test was more sensitive of the two.

Animals↗