MedWorm: Anthrax

[News of the Week] Anthrax Investigation: Silicon Mystery Endures in Solved Anthrax Case

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:10:21 +0100

Scientists say there is clear evidence that the high levels of silicon found in the anthrax used in the 2001 letter attacks came not from anything added to "weaponize" the anthrax spores but from the culture in which the spores were grown. So why did the mailed anthrax have such a high proportion of spores with a silicon signature in comparison to most other anthrax samples?Author: Yudhijit Bhattacharjee (Source: Science: Current Issue)

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Universal Detection Technology Addresses First Responder Anthrax Vaccinations

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Universal Detection Technology (OTCBB: UNDT), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, issued a response today to a growing interest in the security and emergency response communities to immunize first responders most susceptible to anthrax exposure. The issue was brought to the forefront recently at the annual EMS Today Conference in Baltimore, where Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Universal Detection Technology Addresses First Responder Anthrax Vaccinations

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Universal Detection Technology (OTCBB: UNDT), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, issued a response today to a growing interest in the security and emergency response communities to immunize first responders most susceptible to anthrax exposure... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

How to Reduce the Impact of “Low-Risk Patients” Following a Bioterrorist Incident: Lessons from SARS, Anthrax, and Pneumonic Plague

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:55:51 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science Mar 2010, Vol. 8, No. 1: 37-43. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Comments from the Center for Biosecurity of UPMC on DHS Proposed Guidance for Responders during a Wide-Area Anthrax Attack

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:55:51 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science Mar 2010, Vol. 8, No. 1: 85-88. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Horse transmitted diseases

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0100

This educational brochure on zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted between animals and people) and in particular horse transmitted diseases is authored by Professor Roberta M. Dwyer, DVM, MS, DACVPM, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Published as part of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely campaign this booklet covers salmonellosis, ringworm, rabies, anthrax, rain rot, brucellosis, leptospirosis, cryptosporidiosis, and vesicular stomatitis. Advice and guidance on disease prevention and precautions and specific information for immunocompromised people is provided. Published in 2010. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)

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Vaccination, squalene and anti-squalene antibodies: Facts or fiction?

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:37:01 +0100

Authors: Lippi G, Targher G, Franchini M Squalene, a hydrocarbon obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil and other botanic sources, is increasingly used as an immunologic adjuvant in several vaccines, including seasonal and the novel influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic flu vaccines. Nearly a decade ago, squalene was supposed to be the experimental anthrax vaccine ingredient that caused the onset of Persian Gulf War syndrome in many veterans, since antibodies to squalene were detected in the blood of most patients affected by this syndrome. This evidence has raised a widespread concern about the safety of squalene containing adjuvants (especially MF59) of influenza vaccines. Nevertheless, further clinical evidence clearly suggested that squalene is poorly immunogeni...

Lack of trust in complex science

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0100

There is no simple way to battle public hostility to climate research. As the psychologists show, facts barely sway us anywayThere is one question that no one who denies manmade climate change wants to answer: what would it take to persuade you? In most cases the answer seems to be nothing. No level of evidence can shake the growing belief that climate science is a giant conspiracy codded up by boffins and governments to tax and control us. The new study by the Met Office, which paints an even grimmer picture than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, will do nothing to change this view.The attack on climate scientists is now widening to an all-out war on science. Writing recently for the Telegraph, the columnist Gerald Warner dismissed scientists as "white-coated prima donnas and...

A Semisynthesis Platform for Investigating Structure−Function Relationships in the N-Terminal Domain of the Anthrax Lethal Factor

ACS Chemical Biology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:00:23 +0100

ACS Chemical Biology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: ACS Chemical Biology)

Zoonoses report : United Kingdom 2008

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:30:00 +0100

Published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2010, this 92-page Annual Report on Zoonoses in the United Kingdom presents a summary of the trends and sources of zoonotic infection in humans, animals, food and feedstuffs in the UK in 2008, and also includes data from early 2009. The contents include a preface, executive summary, introduction, sections on major foodborne and waterborne zoonoses, notifiable zoonotic diseases of animals, other zoonoses, and appendices. Organisms and diseases covered include Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptospridium, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax, rabies, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies including BSE and CJD, avian influenza, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, listeriosis, Lyme borreliosis, Q fever, an...

Soluble expression and purification of the anthrax protective antigen in E. coli and identification of a novel dominant-negative mutant N435C.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we found that the solubility of recombinant PA was dramatically enhanced by fusion with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and an induction of its expression at 28 degrees C. The PA was purified to high homogeneity and a yield of 3 mg protein was obtained from 1 l culture by an affinity-chromatography approach. Moreover, we expressed and purified three PA mutants, I394C, A396C, and N435C, which were impaired in expression in previous study. Among them, a novel mutant N435C which conferred dominant-negative inhibitory activity on PA was identified. This new mutant may be useful in designing new antitoxin for anthrax prophylaxis and therapy. PMID: 20213183 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology)

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Bison to roam American plains again

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:41:31 +0100

Recovery 'roadmap' would see large herds roaming free over thousands of hectares but hinges on an overhaul of government regulations and a rethink of public attitudes to the animalBison, the iconic animal of the American west, could once more roam wild across the great plains under a recovery roadmap prepared by international scientists.A report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (pdf), prepared by dozens of scientists and bison experts from Mexico, America, and Canada, says there is a chance of a second recovery, nearly a century after the animals were rescued from the brink of extinction.But success depends on allowing large herds to roam free over thousands or perhaps millions of hectares, an overhaul of government regulations, and a rethink of public attit...

Effects of Introducing a Single Charged Residue into the Phenylalanine Clamp of Multimeric Anthrax Protective Antigen [Molecular Bases Of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:37:13 +0100

In this report we describe the effects of replacing Phe427 in a single subunit of the predominantly heptameric pore with a basic or an acidic amino acid. Incorporating any charged residue at this position inhibited cytotoxicity ≥1,000-fold in our standard assay and caused strong inhibition of translocation in a planar phospholipid bilayer system. His and Glu were the most strongly inhibitory residues, ablating both cytotoxicity and translocation. Basic residues at position 427 prevented the Phe clamp from interacting with a translocation substrate to form a seal against the passage of ions and accelerated dissociation of the substrate from the pore. Acidic residues, in contrast, allowed the seal to form and the substrate to remain firmly bound, but blocked its passage, perhaps via elect...

OIE : animal disease information summaries

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0100

This collection of animal disease information sheets (including zoonoses) have been prepared for the general public by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). These “questions and answers” sheets provide an overview on some major OIE listed diseases, and diseases covered include avian influenza, anthrax, African swine fever, brucellosis, bluetongue, BSE, bovine tuberculosis, classical swine fever, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, diseases of bees, equine influenza, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and several others. Published in 2009. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)

Raman Spectroscopy Compatible Inactivation Method for Pathogenic Endospores.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stöckel S, Schumacher W, Meisel S, Elschner M, Rösch P, Popp J Micro-Raman spectroscopy is a fast and sensitive tool for the detection, classification, and identification of biological organisms. The vibrational spectrum inherently serves as a fingerprint of the biochemical composition of each bacterium and thus makes identification at the species, or even subspecies level possible. Therefore, microorganisms in areas susceptible to bacterial contamination, e.g., clinical environments or food-processing technology can be sensed. Within the scope of point-of-care-testing also a detection of intentionally released biosafety level (BSL) 3 agents, like Bacillus anthracis endospores, or their products, is attainable. However, as a matter of fact, no Raman spectroscopic com...

Emergent BioSolutions revenue up 50%

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:22:41 +0100

Sales of its anthrax vaccine to the U.S. government boosted revenue for Rockville-based Emergent BioSolutions Inc. by 50 percent. (EBS) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Antibacterial activity of radical scavengers against class Ib ribonucleotide reductase from Bacillus anthracis

Biological Chemistry — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:35:49 +0100

Biological Chemistry 391 (2/3): 229-234 Abstract Bacillus anthracis is a severe mammalian pathogen. The deoxyribonucleotides necessary for DNA replication and repair are provided via the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) enzyme. RNR is also important for spore germination and cell proliferation upon infection. We show that the expression of B. anthracis class Ib RNR responds to the environment that the pathogen encounters upon infection. We also show that several anti-proliferative agents (radical scavengers) specifically inhibit the B. anthracis RNR. Owing to the importance of RNR in the pathogenic infection process, our results highlight a promising potential to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis early during infection. (Source: Biological Chemistry)

Universal Detection Technology Responds To Harvard Poll On Anthrax

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Universal Detection Technology (OTCBB: UNDT), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, responded today to a survey that says nearly a third of Americans would delay in taking an antibiotic recommended by public health officials in the wake of an anthrax detect... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Universal Detection Technology Responds To Harvard Poll On Anthrax

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Universal Detection Technology (OTCBB: UNDT), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, responded today to a survey that says nearly a third of Americans would delay in taking an antibiotic recommended by public health officials in the wake of an anthrax detect... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

London: Second Anthrax Case Confirmed In London

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Twenty-four cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland and one in Germany. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

London: Second Anthrax Case Confirmed In London

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Twenty-four cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland and one in Germany... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

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Two cases of gastrointestinal anthrax with an unusual presentation from kermanshah (Western iran).

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Hatami H, Ramazankhani A, Mansoori F During 1988 - 1994 a total of 38 cases of human anthrax were admitted to Sina Hospital in Kermanshah (western Iran). There were two cases of gastrointestinal anthrax (5.3%) with culture positive ascitic fluid. Among the many reported gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, unexpectedly one of our patients had only vomiting and ascites whereas the other case had only ascites. Neither had abdominal pain, tenderness, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena, or other expected signs and symptoms of anthrax. Therefore, in contrast to the available reports, these cases presented atypically and despite receiving a sufficient dose of penicillin, the drug of choice at that time, both patients died. Gastrointestinal anthrax is not as rare as reported but due to an...

Fresh heroin warning after 2nd London anthrax case

Reuters: Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:08:02 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - British health authorities repeated a warning to drug users on Monday that a batch of heroin contaminated with anthrax was probably circulating in Europe, posing a potentially serious health threat. (Source: Reuters: Health)

London: Second anthrax case confirmed in London

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:48:31 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

SNR analysis: molecular investigation of an anthrax epidemic

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The analysis revealed the prevalent spread, during this epidemic, of a single anthrax clone. SGT-1 - widely distributed across the epidemic area and present throughout the period in question - may, thus, be the ancestral form. SGTs 2, 3 and 4 differed from SGT-1 at only one locus, suggesting that they could have evolved directly from the latter during the course of this epidemic. SGT-5 differed from the other SGTs at 2-3 loci. This isolate, thus, appears to be more distantly related to SGT-1 and may not be a direct descendant of the lineage responsible for the majority of cases in this epidemic. These data confirm the importance of molecular typing and subtyping methods for in-depth epidemiological analyses of anthrax epidemics. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articl...

Selective and potent furin inhibitors protect cells from anthrax without significant toxicity.

The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Remacle AG, Gawlik K, Golubkov VS, Cadwell GW, Liddington RC, Cieplak P, Millis SZ, Desjardins R, Routhier S, Yuan XW, Neugebauer WA, Day R, Strongin AY Furin and related proprotein convertases cleave the multibasic motifs R-X-R/K/X-R in the precursor proteins and, as a result, transform the latent proproteins into biologically active proteins and peptides. Furin is present both in the intracellular secretory pathway and at the cell surface. Intracellular furin processes its multiple normal cellular targets in the Golgi and secretory vesicle compartments while cell-surface furin appears to be essential only for the processing of certain pathogenic proteins and, importantly, anthrax. To design potent, safe and selective inhibitors of furin, we evaluated the potency and selectiv...

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PemK Toxin of Bacillus anthracis Is a Ribonuclease: AN INSIGHT INTO ITS ACTIVE SITE, STRUCTURE, AND FUNCTION [Genomics and Proteomics]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:03 +0100

This study describes the rPemK as a potent ribonuclease with a preference for pyrimidines (C/U), which is consistent with our previous study that demonstrated it as a translational attenuator. The in silico structural modeling of the PemK in conjunction with the site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the role of His-59 and Glu-78 as an acid-base couple in mediating the ribonuclease activity. The rPemK is shown to form a complex with the rPemI, which is in line with its function as a TA module. This rPemI-rPemK complex becomes catalytically inactive when both the proteins interact in a molar stoichiometry of 1. The rPemI displays vulnerability to proteolysis but attains conformational stability only upon rPemK interaction. The pemI-pemK transcript is shown to be up-regulated upon stress induct...

Epitope-Cavities Generated by Molecularly Imprinted Films Measure the Coincident Response to Anthrax Protective Antigen and Its Segments

Analytical Chemistry — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:29:51 +0100

Analytical Chemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Analytical Chemistry)

Data Show Valortim(R) Anthrax Anti-Toxin May Augment Immune System's Ability To Destroy Anthrax Bacteria

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced that new data from the Company's Valortim® anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, February 21-24, 2010. The data were presented by Dr. Alan S... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

Data Show Valortim(R) Anthrax Anti-Toxin May Augment Immune System's Ability To Destroy Anthrax Bacteria

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced that new data from the Company's Valortim® anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, February 21-24, 2010. The data were presented by Dr. Alan S. Cross, Professor of Medicine and Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Anthrax fears mean more methadone

Scotsman.com News - Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

THE Scottish Government has sanctioned an increase in methadone programmes across the country to halt the spread of anthrax among injecting drug users. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Data Show Valortim(R) Anthrax Anti-Toxin May Augment Immune System's Ability To Destroy Anthrax Bacteria

Pharmaceutical Online News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0100

PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced today that new data from the Company's Valortim® anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, February 21-24, 2010. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Data Show Valortim Anthrax Anti-Toxin May Augment Immune System's Ability to Destroy Anthrax Bacteria

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:15:16 +0100

New Valortim(R) Data Presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

Three-dimensional structure of the anthrax toxin pore inserted into lipid nanodiscs and lipid vesicles [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:51:50 +0100

A major goal in understanding the pathogenesis of the anthrax bacillus is to determine how the protective antigen (PA) pore... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Public Ignorance May Undermine Anthrax Response (CME/CE)

MedPage Today State Required CME — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:43:16 +0100

Many U.S. residents would fail to use antibiotics correctly in the wake of an anthrax-based bioterrorism attack, potentially compromising efforts to limit casualties, a poll showed. (Source: MedPage Today State Required CME)

Anthrax Case Closed

Chemical and Engineering News — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0100

Investigation: FBI concludes that government biodefense researcher Bruce Ivins was the culprit in the attacks. (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

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Evaluation of Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis sample collection from nonporous surfaces by quantitative real-time PCR

Letters in Applied Microbiology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that surface hydrophobicity may play a role in the strength of pathogen adhesion. The surface-dependent collection efficiencies observed with the virulent strains may arise from strain-specific expression of capsular material or other cell surface receptors that alter cell adhesion to specific surfaces.Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings contribute to the validation of standard bioforensics procedures and emphasize the importance of specific strain and surface interactions in pathogen detection. (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology)

Immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides: Effect on gene expression and utility as vaccine adjuvants.

Vaccine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Klinman DM, Klaschik S, Tomaru K, Shirota H, Tross D, Ikeuchi H Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs mimic the immunostimulatory activity of bacterial DNA. CpG ODN directly stimulate B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), promote the production of Th1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and trigger the maturation/activation of professional antigen presenting cells. CpG ODN are finding use as vaccine adjuvants, where they increase the speed, magnitude and duration of vaccine-specific immune responses. For example, CpG ODN significantly prolong the protection induced by AVA (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed). Unexpectedly, a majority of animals immunized with CpG-adjuvanted AVA maintain resistance to anthrax infection even after their Ab titers d...

Poll Finds Many Americans Would Delay Taking Recommended Antibiotics After Anthrax Attack

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

In a national poll aimed at helping with planning efforts for a public health response to a possible bioterrorism attack, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have found that, in response to a fictional scenario describing a significant anthrax attack in their city or town, most Americans (89%) will likely follow public health recommendations to obtain prophylactic antibiotics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Poll Finds Many Americans Would Delay Taking Recommended Antibiotics After Anthrax Attack

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

In a national poll aimed at helping with planning efforts for a public health response to a possible bioterrorism attack, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have found that, in response to a fictional scenario describing a significant anthrax attack in their city or town, most Americans (89%) will likely follow public health recommendations to obtain prop... (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

U.S. closes case on anthrax letters

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The FBI and Justice Department on Friday officially closed their investigation into the 2001 mailings of anthrax-contaminated letters to Capitol Hill and journalists in New York and Florida, concluding that U.S. Army medical researcher Bruce E. Ivins... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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FBI Closes Anthrax Case, Says Bruce Ivins Was Sole Culprit Behind Letter Attacks

ScienceNOW — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:27:33 +0100

Nearly a year-and-a-half after implicating U.S. Army researcher Bruce Ivins in the anthrax letter... [Read more] (Source: ScienceNOW)

FBI closes deadly 2001 anthrax case, finding government researcher Ivins acted alone

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:54:00 +0100

WASHINGTON (AP) — After seven frustrating years probing the deadly 2001 anthrax mailings, the FBI formally closed the case Friday, concluding a mentally unhinged government researcher acted alone. Many details of the case have been known, but newly... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Poll: Hypothetical anthrax attack and antibiotics

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Harvard School of Public Health) In a national poll, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that, in response to a fictional scenario describing a significant anthrax attack in their city or town, most Americans (89 percent) will likely follow public health recommendations to obtain prophylactic antibiotics. However, a significant minority of those likely to pick up antibiotics (39 percent) will hold on to them rather than take them right away, which public health experts believe may put them at greater risk of serious illness. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

News in a nutshell

The Scientist — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

US stem cell policy change, FBI deems Bruce Ivins sole anthrax culprit, and air travel with tuberculosis (Source: The Scientist)

Big Bucks for Biosecurity Research--But Who's Doing What?

Washington Watch — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:15:19 +0100

After 11 September 2001 and the anthrax attacks that followed, President Bush made it a government priority to protect human health and food systems from biological attack. Federal agencies have allocated billions of dollars to biological security programs and new research infrastructure across the governmental, academic, and private sectors. However, some government observers have questioned the leadership, coordination, and oversight of these activities, asking, "Are we more vulnerable to a biological attack today than we were in 2001?" The responsibility to protect the welfare of people, plants, and animals is shared by various federal agencies. These include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH); the Animal and Plant Health ...

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Heroin contaminated with anthrax has killed 11 people

BMJ Online First — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:16:35 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Substrate-mediated Stabilization of a Tetrameric Drug Target Reveals Achilles Heel in Anthrax [Enzymology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:36:16 +0100

This study describes a new mechanism for stabilization of the active oligomeric form of an antibiotic target from B. anthracis and reveals an "Achilles heel" that can be exploited in structure-based drug design. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

North West: Anthrax Case Confirmed By HPA In Blackpool

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool can confirm they are investigating the death of a drug injecting heroin user in Blackpool. The investigation has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax following positive test results. This is the second case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England, the first announced in London on 5 February. Similar cases have been seen in Scotland since December 2009 with nineteen cases having been confirmed and one in Germany... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

North West: Anthrax Case Confirmed By HPA In Blackpool

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool can confirm they are investigating the death of a drug injecting heroin user in Blackpool. The investigation has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax following positive test results. This is the second case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England, the first announced in London on 5 February... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

Anthrax fears over drug

Scotsman.com News - Health — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

HEROIN users have been warned they still face the danger of anthrax poisoning if they continue taking the drug. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Another case of anthrax in injecting heroin user in England confirmed by HPA

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News An investigation by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool into the death of an injecting heroin user has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax. This is the second case of anthrax in an injecting drug user in England; the first was in London (see CAS communication at link below). Similar cases have been seen in Scotland since December 2009 with 19 cases having been confirmed and one in Germany. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection. (Source: NeLM - Mental Health)

Unearthing Anthrax's Dirty Secret: Its Mysterious Survival Skills May Rely on Help from Viruses--and Earthworms

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK--Using a pipette as a makeshift rolling pin, Raymond Schuch spent some of his lab time last summer pressing the guts out of earthworms that he had collected, fresh from Manhattan soil. For his efforts, The Rockefeller University microbiologist extracted what looked like just a small pile of dirt, but was actually a microcosm teeming with phages--viruses that infect bacteria. Schuch was on the hunt for phages that could kill anthrax and become anti-anthrax therapies , but what he discovered were viruses that enable this deadly bacteria to grow and survive when the going gets tough. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Proteomic Studies of Bacillus anthracis

Medscape Dermatology Headlines — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:04:10 +0100

Development of anthrax countermeasures has gained increasing attention owing to the potential use of B. anthracis spores as a bioterror weapon. Future Microbiology (Source: Medscape Dermatology Headlines)

Immunovaccine Presents Results For An Enhanced Anthrax Vaccine Candidate

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX VENTURE:IMV) announced that it has been invited to present at the Canada - U.S. Partners in Biomedical Defense II Conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. At the Conference the Company will present positive new research, done in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), confirming the number of required doses for an anthrax vaccine candidate can be reduced when formulated in DepoVax™... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immunovaccine Presents Results For An Enhanced Anthrax Vaccine Candidate

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Assessment of Faropenem in a Lethal Murine-Bacillus anthracis Inhalation Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Model.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study we evaluated the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships between faropenem free drug (f) plasma concentrations and efficacy against B. anthracis in a murine post-exposure prophylaxis inhalation model. Plasma PK and PK-PD of faropenem were evaluated in BALB/c mice following intra-peritoneal (IP) administration of doses ranging from 2.5 to 160 mg/kg. For evaluation of efficacy, mice received aerosol inhalation of B. anthracis (Ames strain, faropenem MIC 0.06 mug/mL) at 100 times the LD50. Faropenem dosing regimens (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/day) were administered IP 24 hours post-challenge at 4, 6, and 12 hour intervals for 14 days. The sigmoid Emax effect model fit the survival data, where free-drug (f) AUC:MIC, fCmax:MIC ratios and f %T>MIC were each evaluated....

London Health Officials Issue Heroin Anthrax Alert

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 +0100

British health authorities issued an alert to drug users on Friday after a drug injecting heroin user in London tested positive for anthrax infection. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Anthrax Alert For Heroin Users In London

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the first case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Nineteen cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Anthrax Alert For Heroin Users In London

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London have confirmed that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the first case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Nineteen cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

Britain says London-area heroin may cause anthrax

CTV Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:50:44 +0100

British health authorities are warning contaminated heroin sold in London may cause anthrax, after one addict was hospitalized with the potentially fatal disease. (Source: CTV Health)

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PharmAthene Submits White Paper To BARDA For Advanced Development Funding For SparVax(TM) - Novel Recombinant Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced that it has submitted a White Paper in response to the Broad Agency Announcement (Solicitation Number: BAA-BARDA-09-34) issued by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the Advanced Research and Development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Medical Countermeasures. In December 2009, this BAA was specially modified and extended to accommodate rPA-related submissions. David P... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

PharmAthene Submits White Paper To BARDA For Advanced Development Funding For SparVax(TM) - Novel Recombinant Protective Antigen Anthrax Vaccine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

PharmAthene, Inc... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

London heroin user tests positive for anthrax

Nursing Times Breaking News — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

A drug injecting heroin user is being treated in a London hospital after testing positive for anthrax, the Health Protection Agency announced today. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Heroin users warned as first anthrax drug case hits England

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A HEROIN user in England has tested positive for anthrax following 19 similar cases in Scotland. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Nano Aptasensor for Protective Antigen Toxin of Anthrax

Analytical Chemistry — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:40:12 +0100

Analytical Chemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Analytical Chemistry)

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London health officials issue heroin anthrax alert

Reuters: Health — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:54:57 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - British health authorities issued an alert to drug users on Friday after a drug injecting heroin user in London tested positive for anthrax infection. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Anthrax alert for heroin users in London

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:26:06 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Anthrax alert for heroin users in London

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:06:43 +0100

CAS communication: Confirmed case of anthrax infection in an injecting drug user in England

NeLM - Mental Health — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Central Alerting Systems Area: News Following the recent outbreak of anthrax amongst 19 Scottish heroin users of whom 9 have died, there has now been one confirmed in an injecting drug user (IDU) in London. Investigations are continuing into the cause of these cases and into any heroin supply routes that may be affected. This communication alerts healthcare professionals to the possibility of anthrax infection in IDUs presenting with severe soft tissue infections or sepsis, and the local microbiologist should be contacted for advice on management and investigation of any possible cases who present at their GP or A&E. Other services dealing with drug misusers should refer them to an A&E department or to a GP for urgent assessment and management. It is stressed th...

Type-IIa secreted phospholipase A(2) is an endogenous antibiotic-like protein of the host.

Biochimie — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wu Y, Raymond B, Goosens P, Njamkepo E, Guiso N, Paya M, Touqui L Type-IIA secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) has been proposed to play a role in the development of inflammatory diseases. It has been shown to release arachidonic acid, the precursor of proinflammatory eicosanoids, to hydrolyze phospholipids of pulmonary surfactant, and to bind to specific receptors located on cell surface membranes. However, the most established biological role of sPLA(2)-IIA is related to its potent bactericidal property in particular toward Gram-positive bacteria. This enzyme is present in animal and human biological fluids at concentrations sufficient to kill bacteria. Human recombinant sPLA(2)-IIA is able to kill Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations as low as 1.1 ng/ml. This rema...

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Despite Anthrax, Drum Circle Beat Goes On

WDSU.com - Health — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:39:17 +0100

Fans stick with a drum circle where a woman is believed to have contracted a rare form of anthrax. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Anthrax outbreak in a Swedish beef cattle herd - 1st case in 27 years: Case report

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

After 27 years with no detected cases, an outbreak of anthrax occurred in a beef cattle herd in the south of Sweden. The outbreak was unusual as it occurred in winter, in animals not exposed to meat-and-bone meal, in a non-endemic country.The affected herd consisted of 90 animals, including calves and young stock. The animals were kept in a barn on deep straw bedding and fed only roughage. Seven animals died during 10 days, with no typical previous clinical signs except fever. The carcasses were reportedly normal in appearance, particularly as regards rigor mortis, bleeding and coagulation of the blood. Subsequently, three more animals died and anthrax was suspected at necropsy and confirmed by culture and PCR on blood samples.The isolated strain was susceptible to tetracycline, ciprofloxa...

Drum circle fans play on despite anthrax fears

USATODAY.com Health — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:40:31 +0100

CONCORD, N.H. For drum circle devotees, the beat goes on. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Despite Anthrax, Beat Goes On For Drum Circle Fans

WDSU.com - Health — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:07:26 +0100

For drum circle devotees, the beat goes on despite a recent anthrax scare. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Death toll in anthrax outbreak among drug users hits 9

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DEATHS linked to heroin contaminated by anthrax have risen to nine, tests revealed. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Prevalence of Bacillus anthracis-like organisms and bacteriophages in the intestinal tract of Eisenia fetida earthworms.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schuch R, Pelzek AJ, Kan S, Fischetti VA Stable infection of Bacillus anthracis laboratory strains with environmental bacteriophages confers survival phenotypes in soil and earthworm intestinal niches (R. Schuch and V. A. Fischetti, PLoS One 4:e6532, 2009). Here, the natural occurrence of two such B. anthracis-infective bacteriophages, Wip1 and Wip4, were followed in the intestines of Eisenia fetida earthworms as part of a six-year longitudinal study at a Pennsylvania forest site. The Wip1 tectivirus was initially dominant before being supplanted by the Wip4 siphovirus, which was then dominant for the next three years. In a host range analysis of a wide-ranging group of Bacillus species and related organisms, Wip1 and Wip4 were both infective only toward B. anthracis and certa...

U.S. Is Unprepared for Major Bioterrorism Attack, Commission Finds

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:40:43 +0100

More than eight years after the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks, the United States is still unprepared to respond to a major biological terror attack, a congressionally appointed commission said yesterday. Overall, the panel's report gave the federal government mixed grades for protecting Americans from the threat of weapons of mass destruction. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Capsule depolymerase overexpression reduces Bacillus anthracis virulence.

Microbiology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the effect of modulating capD expression on B. anthracis capsule phenotype, interaction with phagocytic cells and virulence in guinea pigs. Transcriptional fusions of capD were made to heat-shock protein 60 (hsp60), elongation factor Tu (EFTu), and capA, a B. anthracis capsule biosynthesis gene. Translation signals were altered to improve expression of capD, including replacing the putative ribosome-binding site with a consensus sequence and the TTG start codon with ATG. CapD was not detected by immunoblot in lysates from wild-type Ames but was detected in strains engineered with a consensus ribosome binding site for capD. Strains overexpressing capD at amounts detected by immunoblot were found to have less surface-associated capsule and released primarily lower ...

Anthrax toxin triggers the activation of src-like kinases to mediate its own uptake [Cell_Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:48:27 +0100

AB-type toxins, like other bacterial toxins, are notably opportunistic molecules. They rely on target cell receptors to reach the appropriate... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Anthrax Kills Eight Heroin Users in Europe

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:27:39 +0100

A batch of heroin contaminated with anthrax spores is killing drug users across Europe. (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

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Current and Future Medical Approaches To Combat the Anthrax Threat

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:09:01 +0100

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry)

Anthrax toll rises as eighth drug addict dies

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

THE number of drug addicts who have died after being infected with anthrax has risen to eight. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Drug user becomes eighth victim of Scottish anthrax outbreak

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:53:43 +0100

THE number of drug addicts who have died after being infected with anthrax has risen to eight, officials said today. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

The Inclusion of Medical Student in Disaster Preparedness

Journal of Surgical Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:40:37 +0100

Introduction: Post 9/11, The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommended that medical school curriculums include education on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) events (biologic, chemical, physical, radiological) and response (roles, responsibilities, team coordination). A survey of 3rd year medical students (MS) rotating on a trauma rotation at a Level 1 trauma center (L1TC) in 2005 and 2007 highlighted significant deficiencies in disaster response and management. We hypothesize that current disaster preparedness education is inadequate at all MS levels even at a medical school with a L1TC. Materials and Methods: All MS at a L1TC were surveyed in May of 2009. The survey assessed the MS familiarity with the hospital disaster plan (HDP), their specific role, where to report a...

[Newsdesk] Infectious disease surveillance update

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Heroin contaminated with anthrax is thought to have caused several cases of the infection in Scotland, although the source has not yet been identified. So far 14 people have been confirmed to have had the infection and seven of these have died. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

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Preliminary case report of fatal anthrax in an injecting drug user in North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, December 2009.

Euro Surveill — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:38:16 +0100

Authors: Radun D, Bernard H, Altmann M, Schöneberg I, Bochat V, van Treeck U, Rippe RM, Grunow R, Elschner M, Biederbick W, Krause G A fatal case of anthrax occurred in an injecting drug user in Germany, in December 2009. A potential link to similar cases in Scotland in the same time period is currently under investigation. PMID: 20085693 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

An outbreak of infection with Bacillus anthracis in injecting drug users in Scotland.

Euro Surveill — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:37:53 +0100

Authors: Ramsay CN, Stirling A, Smith J, Hawkins G, Brooks T, Hood J, Penrice G, Browning LM, Ahmed S, , An investigation is currently underway to explore and control an outbreak of Bacillus anthracis among drug users (mainly injecting) in Scotland. Contaminated heroin or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin is considered to be the most likely source and vehicle of infection. Heroin users have been advised of the risk. The risk to the general public is regarded as very low. PMID: 20085694 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Another victim claimed by anthrax-contaminated heroin

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

ANOTHER drug user has tested positive for anthrax after using what is believed to be a contaminated batch of heroin as an outbreak continues to spread, health officials said y (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Effects of l-Alanine and Inosine Germinants on the Elasticity of Bacillus anthracis Spores

Langmuir — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:28:26 +0100

Langmuir, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Langmuir)

Transcriptome dysregulation by anthrax lethal toxin plays a key role in induction of human endothelial cell cytotoxicity

Cellular Microbiology — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We have investigated how Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) triggers caspase-3 activation and the formation of thick actin cables in human endothelial cells. By DNA array analysis we show that LT has a major impact on the cell transcriptome and we identify key host genes involved in LT cytotoxic effects. Indeed, upregulation of TRAIL and downregulation of XIAP both participate in LT-induced caspase-3 activation. LT induces a downregulation of the immediate early gene and master regulator of transcription egr1. Importantly, its re-expression in LT-intoxicated cells blocks caspase-3 activation. In parallel, we found that the formation of actin cables induced by LT occurs in the absence of direct activation of RhoA/ROCK signalling. We show that knock-down of cortactin and rhophilin-2 under ...

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Genetic analysis of petrobactin transport in Bacillus anthracis

Molecular Microbiology — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Iron acquisition mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis of many infectious microbes. In Bacillus anthracis, the siderophore petrobactin is required for both growth in iron-depleted conditions and for full virulence of the bacterium. Here we demonstrate the roles of two putative petrobactin binding proteins FatB and FpuA (encoded by GBAA5330 and GBAA4766 respectively) in B. anthracis iron acquisition and pathogenesis. Markerless deletion mutants were created using allelic exchange. The [Delta]fatB strain was capable of wild-type levels of growth in iron-depleted conditions, indicating that FatB does not play an essential role in petrobactin uptake. In contrast, [Delta]fpuA bacteria exhibited a significant decrease in growth under low-iron conditions when compared with wild-ty...

An outbreak of infection with Bacillus anthracis in injecting drug users in Scotland

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

An investigation is currently underway to explore and control an outbreak of Bacillus anthracis among drug users (mainly injecting) in Scotland. Contaminated heroin or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin is considered to be the most likely source and vehicle of infection. Heroin users have been advised of the risk. The risk to the general public is regarded as very low. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Preliminary case report of fatal anthrax in an injecting drug user in North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, December 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A fatal case of anthrax occurred in an injecting drug user in Germany, in December 2009. A potential link to similar cases in Scotland in the same time period is currently under investigation. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Anthrax claims another addict

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A SEVENTH person with anthrax has died as infection among heroin users continues to spread around the country. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Global Update: Anthrax: In Scotland, Six Heroin Users Die of Anthrax Poisoning

NYT > Health — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:28:28 +0100

The globalization of the drug trade can spread infections that were once local. (Source: NYT > Health)

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Anthrax-contaminated heroin

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:21:55 +0100

The Department of Health, via the Central Alerting System,... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

Anthrax-contaminated heroin

Public Health Newsfeed — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:20:40 +0100

The Department of Health, via the Central Alerting System,... (Source: Public Health Newsfeed)

Cathepsin B-mediated Autophagy Flux Facilitates the Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2-mediated Delivery of Anthrax Lethal Factor into the Cytoplasm [Membrane Transport, Structure, Function, and Biogenesis]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:36:10 +0100

Anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx) is a virulence factor secreted by Bacillus anthracis and has direct cytotoxic effects on most cells once released into the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic delivery of the proteolytically active component of LeTx, lethal factor (LF), is carried out by the transporter component, protective antigen, which interacts with either of two known surface receptors known as anthrax toxin receptor (ANTXR) 1 and 2. We found that the cytoplasmic delivery of LF by ANTXR2 was mediated by cathepsin B (CTSB) and required lysosomal fusion with LeTx-containing endosomes. Also, binding of protective antigen to ANXTR1 or -2 triggered autophagy, which facilitated the cytoplasmic delivery of ANTXR2-associated LF. We found that whereas cells treated with the membrane-permeable CTSB inhibitor...

Analysis: Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax appear almost immediately

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:06:15 +0100

ANTHRAX is an infection that is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

CAS updated communication: Rise in cases of anthrax infections in heroin injecting drug users

NeLM - Mental Health — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Central Alerting Systems Area: News Further to the CAS alert issued on 17th December, the Department of Health has been informed that there is now a total of 12 confirmed cases of anthrax in heroin injecting drug users (IDUs) and cases have extended beyond the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area to the Tayside, Lanarkshire and Forth Valley areas of Scotland. Six of these patients have died. Investigations are continuing into the cause of these cases and into any heroin supply routes that may be affected. Healthcare professionals are advised to be alert to the possibility of anthrax infection in IDUs or those who smoke or inhale the drug, presenting with severe soft tissue infections or sepsis. The local microbiologist should be consulted for advice on management and investig...

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Anthrax Kills 6 Heroin Addicts in Scotland

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:30:04 +0100

Contaminated Heroin May Have Caused Anthrax Outbreak, Health Officials Say (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Anthrax Kills 6 Heroin Addicts in Scotland

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:30:04 +0100

Contaminated Heroin May Have Caused Anthrax Outbreak, Health Officials Say (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Anthrax Outbreak Kills 6 Drug Addicts

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:53:24 +0100

Contaminated heroin may have caused an anthrax outbreak among drug addicts in Scotland, killing six people and infecting 12 in total, health officials said Thursday. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Anthrax Outbreak In Scotland Kills 6 Drug Adicts

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:50:20 +0100

Contaminated heroin may have caused an anthrax outbreak among drug adicts in Scotland, killing six people and infecting 12 in total, health officials said Thursday. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Scotland's anthrax outbreak - The story so far

Scotsman.com News - Health of the NHS — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:19:47 +0100

A SIXTH drug user in Scotland has died after taking heroin contaminated with anthrax. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health of the NHS)

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Anthrax threat spreading, say health officials

Scotsman.com News - Health of the NHS — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:51:01 +0100

HEALTH Protection Scotland say that heroin contaminated with anthrax is now spreading throughout Scotland. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health of the NHS)

Heroin users' anthrax alert

Scotsman.com News - Health — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

HEALTH chiefs have warned of the chance of anthrax poisoning hitting Lothians heroin users. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Letters Cause Anthrax Scare in Alabama Political Offices - JEMS.com

JEMS Latest News — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:09:17 +0100

JAY REEVES Assoociated Press Writer BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Envelopes containing white powder set off anthrax scares in five Alabama cities, shutting down two federal courthouses Monday and trapping... (Source: JEMS Latest News)

'Anthrax heroin' cases spreading

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:47:12 +0100

Health officials say contaminated heroin - thought to be responsible for anthrax cases in Glasgow - may be circulating elsewhere. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Elusys Could Get $143M In Anthrax Treatment Funds

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:30:22 +0100

From Associated Press (January 4, 2010) PINE BROOK, N.J.--Privately held biotechnology company Elusys Therapeutics Inc. said Monday it will receive up to $143 million in U.S. government funding as it develops its anthrax treatment Anthim. Elusys... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

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BARDA Awards Up To $143 Million For Advanced Development Of A New Drug To Treat Anthrax

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded a contract to Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. of Pine Brook, N.J., for the advanced development of a medication to treat inhalational anthrax, one of the top bioterrorism threats facing the nation. The first year of the contract, called the base year, is valued at $16.8 million. The federal government has the option to continue the contract if the company meets performance milestones, so the contract's potential total is up to $143 million over a five-year period... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BARDA Awards Up To $143 Million For Advanced Development Of A New Drug To Treat Anthrax

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded a contract to Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. of Pine Brook, N.J., for the advanced development of a medication to treat inhalational anthrax, one of the top bioterrorism threats facing the nation. The first year of the contract, called the base year, is valued at $16.8 million... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

Elusys Receives Contract For Up To $143M From The U.S. Federal Government To Fund Advanced Development Of Anthim®, A New Treatment For Anthrax

Pharmaceutical Online News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:18:00 +0100

Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. (Elusys), a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it has signed a contract potentially totaling up to $143 million to complete the final development, commercial manufacturing and licensure of Anthim, the company's late stage anthrax therapeutic. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Activity of Dalbavancin Against Bacillus anthracis In Vitro and in a Mouse Inhalation Anthrax Model.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Heine HS, Purcell BK, Bassett J, Miller L, Goldstein BP Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, can produce fatal disease when inhaled or ingested by humans. Dalbavancin, a novel, semi-synthetic lipoglycopeptide, has potent activity, greater than that of vancomycin, against gram-positive bacteria and a half-life in humans that supports once weekly dosing. Dalbavancin demonstrated potent in vitro activity against B. anthracis (MIC range </=0.03-0.5 mg/L, MIC50/90 0.06/0.25 mg/L), which led us to test its efficacy in an inhalation anthrax model in mice. The peak concentrations of dalbavancin in mouse plasma after single 5 and 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal doses were 15 and 71 mg/kg, respectively. At 20 mg/kg, dalbavancin activity was detectable for 6 days after adminis...

LAMP Using a Disposable Pocket Warmer for Anthrax Detection, a Highly Mobile and Reliable Method for Anti-Bioterrorism.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hatano B, Maki T, Obara T, Fukumoto H, Hagisawa K, Matsushita Y, Okutani A, Bazartseren B, Inoue S, Sata T, Katano H A quick, reliable detection system is necessary to deal with bioterrorism. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a DNA amplification method that can amplify specific DNA fragments in isothermal conditions. We developed a new highly mobile and practical LAMP anthrax detection system that uses a disposable pocket warmer without the need for electricity (pocket-warmer LAMP). In our tests, the detection limit of the pocket-warmer LAMP was 1,000 copies of Bacillus anthracis pag and capB gene fragments per tube. The pocket-warmer LAMP also detected B. anthracis genes from DNA extracted from 0.1 volume of a B. anthracis colony. The lower detection limit of t...

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UPDATED: Q & A: Anthrax and Animal Hide Drums

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Updated questions and answers for Anthrax and Animal Hide Drums. Know the facts. Stay safe! (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Another anthrax case confirmed

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:39:51 +0100

Another heroin user in Glasgow has tested positive for Anthrax, but is said to be responding well to treatment. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

1st U.S. Case Of Intestinal Anthrax Found

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:58:52 +0100

An African drum used at a campus ministry may have given a woman a rare kind of anthrax infection. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Drums Probed as Possible Cause of US Anthrax Case - JEMS.com

JEMS Latest News — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:08:01 +0100

HOLLY RAMER Associared Press Writer A U.S. woman diagnosed with a rare gastrointestinal anthrax case may have swallowed spores propelled into the air by vigorous drumming, a state health expert said. Officials... (Source: JEMS Latest News)

Zimbabwe says anthrax outbreak under control

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:45:47 +0100

HARARE, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Veterinary Services ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

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Anthrax lethal toxin promotes dephosphorylation of TTP and formation of processing bodies

Cellular Microbiology — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx) is composed of protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) [ndash] PA is the receptor-binding moiety and LF is a protease that cleaves mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs). LeTx subverts the immune response to Bacillus anthracis in several ways, such as downregulating interleukin-8 (IL-8) by increasing the rate of IL-8 mRNA degradation. Many transcripts are regulated through cis-acting elements that bind proteins that either impede or promote degradation. Some of these RNA-binding proteins are regulated by MAPKs and previous work has demonstrated that interfering with MAPK signalling decreases the half-life of IL-8 mRNA. Here, we have localized a segment within the IL-8 3' untranslated region responsible for LeTx-induced transcript destabilizatio...

GI Anthrax Strikes N.H. Woman

MedPage Today Public Health — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:28:35 +0100

A New Hampshire woman has developed what may be the nation's first case of gastrointestinal anthrax, with animal hides on imported drums suspected as the source. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Anthrax in injecting drug users

Public Health Newsfeed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:21:02 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has published an algorithm for... (Source: Public Health Newsfeed)

N.H. Woman Swallowed Anthrax, Expert Says

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:30:02 +0100

Rare Case of Gastrointestinal Anthrax Caused when Woman Inhaled Spores, State Official Says (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

N.H. Woman Swallowed Anthrax, Expert Says

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:16:37 +0100

Rare Case of Gastrointestinal Anthrax Caused when Woman Inhaled Spores, State Official Says (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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Deceased heroin user was infected with anthrax, doctors find

Scotsman.com News - Health — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A HEROIN user who died in Glasgow last week was infected with anthrax, doctors confirmed last night. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Gastrointestinal anthrax diagnosed in U.S.

CBC | Health — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:09:02 +0100

Antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to about 80 people in the state of New Hampshire as authorities investigate America's first known case of gastrointestinal anthrax. (Source: CBC | Health)

Anthrax in injecting drug users

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:24:09 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has published an algorithm for... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

Anthrax Found In Drums Linked To Infected Woman, US

GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

US health officials have confirmed samples from a pair of African drums used in a drumming circle attended by a New Hampshire woman who is severely ill in hospital with gastrointestinal anthrax have tested positive for the deadly bacterium... (Source: GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today)

Anthrax Found In Drums Linked To Infected Woman, US

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

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Anthrax Found In Drums Linked To Infected Woman, US

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Anthrax Found In Drums Linked To Infected Woman, US

GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Is New Hampshire Anthrax Linked To African Drum?

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:04:03 +0100

A New Hampshire woman diagnosed with a form of anthrax recently attended a drumming circle event, and authorities are asking other owners of African drums to consider having their drums tested for the naturally occurring spores. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

NH Woman Critical With Gastrointestinal Anthrax

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:04:08 +0100

State and federal authorities are searching for the naturally occurring source of anthrax that has left a New Hampshire woman in critical condition. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of diaminopimelate epimerase from Escherichia coli

Acta Crystallographica Section F — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Diaminopimelate (DAP) epimerase (EC 5.1.1.7) catalyzes the penultimate step of lysine biosynthesis in bacteria and plants, converting l,l-diaminopimelate to meso-diaminopimelate. Here, the cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of DAP epimerase from Escherichia coli are presented. Crystals were obtained in space group P41212 and diffracted to 2.0 Å resolution, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 89.4, c = 179.6 Å. Molecular replacement was conducted using Bacillus anthracis DAP epimerase as a search model and showed the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit, with an initial Rfree of 0.456 and Rwork of 0.416. (Source: Acta Crystallographica Section F)

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Beyond anthrax – The weaponization of infectious diseases

Public Health — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This book is intended to be a primer for clinicians and epidemiologists, a collection of contributions aimed at increasing knowledge of bioterrorism. An albeit highly specialised field, but one which from time to time touches mainstream specialties and ordinary practitioners in sometimes surprising ways. My own experience is a prime example when, in 2006, being obliged to undertake a public health response to a fatal case of anthrax in a rural Scottish health setting. (Source: Public Health)

Anthrax Deaths Possibly Linked to Heroin Abuse

The Poison Review — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:26:34 +0100

The Independent (U.K.) reported today that two drug users Glasgow have died of anthrax infection, and a third death is thought to be anthrax-related. Two additional drug users in Scotland have been diagnosed with the disease but are responding to treatment. This is not unprecedented. In 2000, physicians from Oslo Norway described a 49-year-old heroin skin popper who died after a soft tissue infection in his right buttock spread and developed into hemorrhagic meningitis. Both wound and CSF cultures grew Bacillus anthracis (Lancet 2000;356:1574). The authors of that report pointed out that anthrax is common in regions that supply much of the world’s heroin supply. That same year, there was a cluster of more than 30 deaths from infection in more thant 30 heroin users in Scotla...

HGSI competitor Elusys scores federal contract

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:38:29 +0100

A U.S. Health and Human Services agency has awarded an up to $143 million contract to further develop an inhaled anthrax treatment that could rival a similar product at Rockville-based Human Genome Sciences Inc. (HGSI) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

HGSI competitor Elusys scores federal contract

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:38:29 +0100

Characterization of a Bacillus subtilis transporter for petrobactin, an anthrax stealth siderophore [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:57:18 +0100

Iron deprivation activates the expression of components of the siderophore-mediated iron acquisition systems in Bacillus subtilis, including not only the... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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Lethal factor unfolding is the most force-dependent step of anthrax toxin translocation [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:57:16 +0100

Cellular compartmentalization requires machinery capable of translocating polypeptides across membranes. In many cases, transported proteins must first be unfolded by... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Expression and regulation of ANTXR1 in the chick embryo

Developmental Dynamics — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Anthrax Toxin Receptor 1 (ANTXR1; also known as Tumor Endothelial Marker 8, TEM8) is one of several genes that was recently found to be up-regulated in tumor-associated endothelial cells. In vitro, the protein can link extracellular matrix components with the actin cytoskeleton to promote cell adhesion and cell spreading. Both, ANTXR1 and the closely related ANTXR2 can bind anthrax toxin and interact with lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 and 6, which also work as coreceptors in the WNT signaling pathway. Here, we report the cloning of chick ANTXR1 from a suppression subtractive hybridization screen for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -inducible genes in chicken embryonic facial mesenchyme. We show that chicken ANTXR1 is dynamically expressed throughout embryogenesis, starting from Ham...

Source Reduction in an Anthrax-Contaminated Mail Facility

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:25:09 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science Dec 2009, Vol. 7, No. 4: 405-412. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Third anthrax case confirmed

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A THIRD drug user has been confirmed to be carrying traces of anthrax in their blood, doctors said yesterday. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Woman in hospital as experts fight heroin anthrax scare

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A WOMAN who injected heroin contaminated with anthrax was still being treated in Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary last night after being admitted with an infection. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Anthrax found in two heroin users

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:43:40 +0100

Scottish health agencies are placed on alert after a drug user who died in a Glasgow hospital tested positive for anthrax. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Anthrax in heroin kills addict

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

ANTHRAX has been found in a drug addict who died earlier this week and another who was being treated in hospital last night. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Health alert after anthrax found in heroin

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

HEALTH chiefs in the Lothians have been put on alert after a heroin user in Glasgow was found to have anthrax in his system. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

CAS communication: Possible contaminated heroin at risk of causing anthrax in injecting drug users

NeLM - News — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Central Alerting Systems Area: News The Department of Health has been alerted to two confirmed cases of anthrax in heroin injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area of Scotland, one of whom has died. There is a small number of additional suspected cases currently being investigated. Initial investigations suggest that the most likely cause of these cases is a contaminated batch of heroin. The Department of Health has issued this communication to warn of the possibility of anthrax infection in injecting drug users presenting with severe soft tissue infections or sepsis; and if any injecting drug users present with these symptoms, the local microbiologist should be contacted for advice on management and investigation. Any cases of severe soft tissue...