Identification of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> Strains from Animal Cases in Ethiopia and Genetic Characterization by Whole-Genome Sequencing

Identification of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> Strains from Animal Cases in Ethiopia and Genetic Characterization by Whole-Genome Sequencing

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease characterized by rapid onset with usual fatal outcomes in livestock and wildlife. In Ethiopia, anthrax is a persistent disease; however, there are limited data on the isolation and molecular characterization of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> strains. This study a...

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Main Authors: Abebe Olani, Domenico Galante, Matios Lakew, Bayeta Senbeta Wakjira, Getnet Abie Mekonnen, Tesfaye Rufael, Tsegaye Teklemariam, Wondwosen Kumilachew, Shimalis Dejene, Ayele Woldemeskel, Adanech Wakjira, Getachew Abichu, Baye Ashenafi, Nigatu Kebede, Aklilu Feleke Haile, Fufa Dawo Bari, Laura Del Sambro, Tadesse Eguale
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Pathogens
Subjects:
<i>Bacillus anthracis</i>
epidemiology
Ethiopia
molecular characterization
whole genome sequencing
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/1/39
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Summary:Anthrax is a zoonotic disease characterized by rapid onset with usual fatal outcomes in livestock and wildlife. In Ethiopia, anthrax is a persistent disease; however, there are limited data on the isolation and molecular characterization of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> strains. This study aimed to characterize <i>B. anthracis</i> isolated from animal anthrax outbreaks between 2019 and 2024, from different localities in Ethiopia. <i>B. anthracis</i> was identified using standard microbiology techniques and confirmed by real-time PCR. For the first time in Ethiopia, the genetic diversity of five <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> strains, isolated from dead cattle and goats, was investigated by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analyses. The five sequenced strains were compared to one Ethiopian <i>B. anthracis</i> genome and the other 29 <i>B. anthracis</i> genomes available in the global genetic databases to determine their phylogeny. The genomes of the strains were also analyzed to detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. The whole genome SNP analysis showed that the Ethiopian <i>B. anthracis</i> strains were grouped in the A clade. Three strains (BA2, BA5, and BA6) belonged to the A.Br.034 subgroup (A.Br.005/006), and two strains (BA1 and BA4) belonged to the A.Br.161 (Heroin) clade of the Trans-Eurasian (TEA) group. The findings of this study will contribute to expanding the current understanding of the anthrax hotspots in Ethiopia, and the phylogenetic correlation and/or diversity of the circulating strains.
ISSN:2076-0817

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