Distribution of Toxin Genes and Enterotoxins in Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from Microbial Insecticide Products.
Bacillus thuringiensis microbial insecticide products have been applied worldwide. Although a few cases of B. thuringiensis foodborne illness have been reported, little is known about the toxigenic properties of B. thuringiensis isolates. The aims of this study were to estimate the pathogenic potential of B. thuringiensis selected from microbial insecticide products, based on its possession of toxin genes and production of enterotoxins. Fifty-two B. thuringiensis strains selected from four kinds of microbial insecticide products were analyzed. PCR assay for detection of toxin genes and immunoassay for detection of enterotoxins were performed. The hemolysin BL complex as a major enterotoxin was produced by 17 (32.7%), whereas the nonhemolytic enterotoxin complex was detected in 1 (1.9%) of 52 B. thuringiensis strains. However, cytK, entFM, and ces genes were not detected in any of the tested B. thuringiensis strains. The potential risk of food poisoning by B. thuringiensis along with concerns over B. thuringiensis microbial insecticide products has gained attention recently. Thus, microbial insecticide products based on B. thuringiensis should be carefully controlled.
Division of Enteric Diseases, Center for Infectious Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Osong 363-951, Republic of Korea.
Seung-Hak
SH
Cho
Interdisciplinary Program of Biomodulation, Myongji University, Yongin 449-728, Republic of Korea.
Suk-Ho
SH
Kang
Interdisciplinary Program of Biomodulation, Myongji University, Yongin 449-728, Republic of Korea.
Yea-Eun
YE
Lee
Project Department, Korea Institute Food Safety Management Accreditation, Daejeon 34917, Republic of Korea.
Sung-Jo
SJ
Kim
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejon 302-718, Republic of Korea.
Young-Bin
YB
Yoo
Department of Emergency Medical Service, Konyang University, Daejon 302-832, Republic of Korea.
Yeong-Seok
YS
Bak
Department of Food Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Daejon, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Republic of Korea.
Jung-Beom
JB
Kim
D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D007118:Immunoassay; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004768:Enterotoxins
Bacillus thuringiensis; enterotoxin; microbial insecticide; toxin gene