Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from infections in burn wounds.
Four strains of Bacillus thuringiensis were isolated from infections in burn wounds and from water used in the treatment of burn wounds. The strains produced large parasporal inclusion bodies composed of 141, 83, and 81 kDa protoxins. The four strains were tested for insecticidal activity against larvae of Pieris brassicae and Aedes aegypti but showed no activity; Vero cell assays for the production of enterotoxins were also negative. Attempts to classify the strains according to flagellar H-serotype showed them all to be non-flagellated. Apart from two occupational health accidents that occurred during the handling of highly concentrated B. thuringiensis fluids, this is the first report of B. thuringiensis causing non-gastrointestinal clinical infection in immunosuppressed patients.
Damgaard
P H
PH
Department of Ecology and Molecular Biology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Granum
P E
PE
Bresciani
J
J
Torregrossa
M V
MV
Eilenberg
J
J
Valentino
L
L
D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D002056:Burns / Q000382:microbiology*; D002080:Butterflies; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D006801:Humans; D014709:Vero Cells; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology*
D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004731:Endotoxins; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; C030956:insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis