Isolation of an asporogenic (spoOA) protective antigen-producing strain of Bacillus anthracis. |
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Authors: | P L Worsham M R Sowers |
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Institution: | Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702-5011, USA. worsham@ncifcrf.gov |
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Abstract: | We found that Congo red agar allows identification of sporulation-deficient Bacillus anthracis. Using Congo red agar, we isolated an asporogenic derivative of the protective antigen-producing strain B. anthracis delta Sterne-1(pPA102). Polymerase chain reaction and Southern hybridization analyses of DNA from the asporogenic mutant revealed that a deletion was present in spoOA, an essential gene for the initiation of sporulation. The deletion also encompassed the spoIVB homologue and a portion of the recN homologue. The avirulent spoOA strain delta Sterne-1(pPA102)CR4 is suitable for the safe production of protective antigen without endospore contamination of the vaccine production facility. |
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