
Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from infections in burn wounds
Author(s) -
Damgaard Per H,
Granum Per E,
Bresciani José,
Torregrossa Maria V,
Eilenberg Jørgen,
Valentino Laura
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1997.tb01026.x
Subject(s) - bacillus thuringiensis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , aedes aegypti , serotype , larva , bacteria , bacillales , botany , genetics , bacillus subtilis
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.