We used multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and pagA sequencing to genotype a Bacillus anthracis isolate from a fatal case of human anthrax in Hong Kong. The isolate has a unique MLVA genotype, is related to the Sterne and Ames strains, and is consistent with genotypes identified in China.

Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease resulting from infection with Bacillus anthracis. The outcome of infection is influenced by pathogen-encoded virulence factors such as lethal toxin (LT), as well as by genetic variation within the host. To identify host genes controlling susceptibility to anthrax, a library of congenic mice consisting of strains with homozygous chromosomal segments from th...

Julian P. T. Higgins, Julian Little, John P. A. Ioannidis, Molly S. Bray, Teri A. Manolio, Liam Smeeth, Jonathan A. Sterne, Betsy Anagnostelis, Adam S. Butterworth, John Danesh, Carol Dezateux, John E. Gallacher, Marta Gwinn, Sarah J. Lewis, Cosetta Minelli, Paul D. Pharoah, Georgia Salanti, Simon Sanderson, Lesley A. Smith, Emanuela Taioli, John R. Thompson, Simon G. Thompson, Neil Walker, Ron...