Genetic relationship in the 'Bacillus cereus group' by rep-PCR fingerprinting and sequencing of a Bacillus anthracis-specific rep-PCR fragment

J Appl Microbiol. 2003;94(6):1108-19. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.01945.x.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the genetic relationship in the Bacillus cereus group by rep-PCR fingerprinting.

Methods and results: A collection of 112 strains of the six species of the B. cereus group was analysed by rep-PCR fingerprinting using the BOX-A1R primer. A relative genetic distinctness was found among the species. Cluster analysis of the rep-PCR patterns showed clusters of B. thuringiensis strains quite separate from those of B. cereus strains. The B. anthracis strains represented an independent lineage in a B. cereus cluster. The B. mycoides, B. pseudomycoides and B. weihenstephanensis strains were clustered into three groups at some distance from the other species. Comparison of sequences of AC-390, a typical B. anthracis rep-PCR fragment, from 27 strains of B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis and B. weihenstephanensis, representative of different clusters identified by rep-PCR fingerprinting, confirmed that B. anthracis diverges from its related species.

Conclusions: The genetic relationship deduced from the rep-PCR patterns indicates a relatively clear separation of the six species, suggesting that they can indeed be considered as separate units.

Significance and impact of the study: rep-PCR fingerprinting can make a contribution in the clarification of the genetic relationships between the species of the B. cereus group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus anthracis / genetics
  • Bacillus cereus / classification*
  • Bacillus cereus / genetics*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • DNA Fingerprinting / methods
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial