title: Updating the H-antigen classification of Bacillus thuringiensis.
abstract: The classification of Bacillus thuringiensis strains has been revised and updated based on flagellar antigens which have been in use for many years. Sixty-nine serotypes and 13 sub-antigenic groups have now been identified, giving 82 serovars among the 3500 B. thuringiensis isolates of the IEBC Collection. The number of serovars has gradually increased with the total number of strains. The biochemical characters used have also been investigated and their value assessed for identification of B. thuringiensis at the subspecies level. A crystal analysis was carried out in terms of morphology, delta-endotoxin profiles and larvicidal activity for the newly identified serovars. It was found that atypical crystals, some with novel components, are becoming more common. No insect susceptible to these serovars has been discovered among known target species. The number of cross-reacting H-antigens among B. cereus strains is increasing and may be of biological significance.
authors.affiliation: Unité des Bactéries Entomopathogènes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Lecadet
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Frachon
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Dumanoir
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ripouteau
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Thiéry
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology*; D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D005407:Flagella / Q000276:immunology; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D012703:Serotyping
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000083722:Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004731:Endotoxins; C022863:H antigen; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; C030956:insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis