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Background: Bacillus anthracis is a highly pathogenic bacterium that can cause lethal infection in animals and humans, making it a significant concern as a pathogen and biological agent. Consequently, accurate diagnosis of B. anthracis is critically important for public health. However, the identification of specific marker genes encoded in the B. anthracis chromosome is challenging due to the genetic similarity it shares with B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. Methods: The complete genomes of B. anthracis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. weihenstephanensis were de novo annotated with Prokka, and these annotations were used by Roary to produce the pan-genome. B. anthracis exclusive genes were identified by Perl script, and their specificity was examined by nucleotide BLAST search. A local BLAST alignment was performed to confirm the presence of the identified genes across various B. anthracis strains. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were established based on the identified genes. Result: The distribution of genes among 151 whole-genome sequences exhibited three distinct major patterns, depending on the bacterial species and strains. Further comparative analysis between the three groups uncovered thirty chromosome-encoded genes exclusively present in B. anthracis strains. Of these, twenty were found in known lambda prophage regions, and ten were in previously undefined region of the chromosome. We established three distinct multiplex PCRs for the specific detection of B. anthracis by utilizing three of the identified genes, BA1698, BA5354, and BA5361. Conclusion: The study identified thirty chromosome-encoded genes specific to B.anthracis, encompassing previously described genes in known lambda prophage regions and nine newly discovered genes from an undefined gene region to the best of our knowledge. Three multiplex PCR assays offer an accurate and reliable alternative method for detecting B. anthracis. Furthermore, these genetic markers have value in anthrax vaccine development, and understanding the pathogenicity of B. anthracis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax, a zoonotic disease affecting both livestock and humans globally, is caused by Bacillus anthracis. The objectives of this study were the following: (1) to identify environmental risk factors for anthrax and use this information to develop an improved predictive risk map, and (2) to estimate spatial variation in basic reproduction number (Ro) and herd immunity threshold at the village level, which can be used to optimize vaccination policies within high-risk regions. Based on the anthrax incidences from 2000–2023 and vaccine administration figures between 2008 and 2022 in Karnataka, this study depicted spatiotemporal pattern analysis to derive a risk map employing machine learning algorithms and estimate Ro and herd immunity threshold for better vaccination coverage. Risk factors considered were key meteorological, remote sensing, soil, and geographical parameters. Spatial autocorrelation and SaTScan analysis revealed the presence of hotspots and clusters predominantly in the southern, central, and uppermost northern districts of Karnataka and temporal cluster distribution between June and September. Factors significantly associated with anthrax were air temperature, surface pressure, land surface temperature (LST), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), potential evapotranspiration (PET), soil temperature, soil moisture, pH, available potassium, sulphur, and boron, elevation, and proximity to waterbodies and waterways. Ensemble technique with random forest and classification tree models were used to improve the prediction accuracy of anthrax. High-risk areas are expected in villages in the southern, central, and extreme northern districts of Karnataka. The estimated Ro revealed 11 high-risk districts with Ro > 1.50 and respective herd immunity thresholds ranging from 11.24% to 55.47%, and the assessment of vaccination coverage at the 70%, 80%, and 90% vaccine efficacy levels, all serving for need-based strategic vaccine allocation. A comparison analysis of vaccinations administered and vaccination coverage estimated in this study is used to illustrate difference in the supply and vaccine force. The findings from the present study may support in planning preventive interventions, resource allocation, especially of vaccines, and other control strategies against anthrax across Karnataka, specifically focusing on predicted high-risk regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal vaccination is a safe and effective means of preventing infection in pregnant women, their fetuses, and infants after birth. Several vaccines are routinely administered in pregnancy as a valuable part of prenatal care with supporting recommendations from national and international health organizations. Fears concerning vaccine safety in pregnancy are pervasive despite sufficient available safety data to support their use, leading to underutilization of maternal immunization. Despite this hesitancy, the field of maternal vaccination is evolving to include more vaccines in the routine prenatal vaccination schedule, including the new RSV vaccine. This review discusses the currently recommended vaccines in pregnancy, evidence for their use, and an overview of ongoing clinical trials investigating prospective vaccines for pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THIS REPORT UPDATES PREVIOUS CDC GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON PREFERRED PREVENTION AND TREATMENT REGIMENS REGARDING NATURALLY OCCURRING ANTHRAX. ALSO PROVIDED ARE A WIDE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVE REGIMENS TO FIRST-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS FOR USE IF PATIENTS HAVE CONTRAINDICATIONS OR INTOLERANCES OR AFTER A WIDE-AREA AEROSOL RELEASE OF: Bacillus anthracis spores if resources become limited or a multidrug-resistant B. anthracis strain is used (Hendricks KA, Wright ME, Shadomy SV, et al.; Workgroup on Anthrax Clinical Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert panel meetings on prevention and treatment of anthrax in adults. Emerg Infect Dis 2014;20:e130687; Meaney-Delman D, Rasmussen SA, Beigi RH, et al. Prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax in pregnant women. Obstet Gynecol 2013;122:885-900; Bradley JS, Peacock G, Krug SE, et al. Pediatric anthrax clinical management. Pediatrics 2014;133:e1411-36). Specifically, this report updates antimicrobial drug and antitoxin use for both postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment from these previous guidelines best practices and is based on systematic reviews of the literature regarding 1) in vitro antimicrobial drug activity against B. anthracis; 2) in vivo antimicrobial drug efficacy for PEP and treatment; 3) in vivo and human antitoxin efficacy for PEP, treatment, or both; and 4) human survival after antimicrobial drug PEP and treatment of localized anthrax, systemic anthrax, and anthrax meningitis. CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS CDC GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE AN EXPANDED LIST OF ALTERNATIVE ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS TO USE WHEN FIRST-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS ARE CONTRAINDICATED OR NOT TOLERATED OR AFTER A BIOTERRORISM EVENT WHEN FIRST-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS ARE DEPLETED OR INEFFECTIVE AGAINST A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RESISTANT: B. anthracis strain. In addition, these updated guidelines include new recommendations regarding special considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of anthrax meningitis, including comorbid, social, and clinical predictors of anthrax meningitis. The previously published CDC guidelines and recommendations described potentially beneficial critical care measures and clinical assessment tools and procedures for persons with anthrax, which have not changed and are not addressed in this update. In addition, no changes were made to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for use of anthrax vaccine (Bower WA, Schiffer J, Atmar RL, et al. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2019. MMWR Recomm Rep 2019;68[No. RR-4]:1-14). The updated guidelines in this report can be used by health care providers to prevent and treat anthrax and guide emergency preparedness officials and planners as they develop and update plans for a wide-area aerosol release of B. anthracis.

Aims: Anthrax is reported with frequency but poorly understood in Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam. In Vietnam, anthrax surveillance is national. However, case detection, prevention, and control are implemented locally at the provincial level. Here, we describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify spatial clusters of human anthrax, and compare the variation in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage to disease incidence in humans and livestock using historical data in Son La province, Vietnam (2003–2020). Methods and Results: Most human cases occurred between April and September. Most of the patients were male, aged 15–54 years old. The human cases were mainly reported by public district hospitals. There was a delay between disease onset and hospitalization of ~5 days. We identified spatial clusters of high–high incidence communes in the northern communes of the province using the local Moran's I statistic. The vaccine coverage sharply decreased across the study period. The province reported sporadic human anthrax outbreaks, while animal cases were only reported in 2005 and 2022. Conclusions: These results suggest underreporting for human and livestock anthrax in the province. Intersectoral information sharing is needed to aid livestock vaccination planning, which currently relies on reported livestock cases. The spatial clusters identify areas for targeted surveillance and livestock vaccination, while the seasonal case data suggest prioritizing vaccination campaigns for February or early March ahead of the April peak. A regional approach for studying the role of livestock trading between Son La and neighbouring provinces in anthrax occurrence is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the limitation of previous studies examining adverse reports of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with vaccines other than the COVID‐19 vaccine, there are challenges in establishing a comprehensive understanding of vaccine safety on a global scale. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the worldwide burden of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis and the vaccines associated with these indications. This study utilized the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database, from which records of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis between 1969 and 2023 were extracted (over 130 million reports). We calculated global reporting counts, reported odds ratios (RORs), and information components (ICs) to discern the association between 19 vaccines and the occurrence of pericarditis and myocarditis across 156 countries and territories. We identified 49 096 reports (male, n = 30 013) of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis among 73 590 reports of all‐cause pericarditis and myocarditis. There has been a significant increase in reports of vaccine‐related cardiac adverse events over time, with a noteworthy surge observed after 2020, attributed to cases of pericarditis associated with COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines. Smallpox vaccines were associated with most pericarditis and myocarditis reports (ROR: 73.68 [95% CI, 67.79–80.10]; IC [IC0.25]: 6.05 [5.91]), followed by COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine (37.77 [37.00–38.56]; 3.07 [3.05]), anthrax vaccine (25.54 [22.37–29.16]; 4.58 [4.35]), typhoid vaccine (6.17 [5.16–7.38]; 2.59 [2.29]), encephalitis vaccine (2.00 [1.48–2.71]; 0.99 [0.47]), influenza vaccine (1.87 [1.71–2.04]; 0.90 [0.75]), and Ad5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccine (1.40 [1.34–1.46]; 0.46 [0.39]). Concerning age and sex‐specific risks, reports of vaccine‐associated pericarditis and myocarditis were more prevalent among males and in older age groups. The age group between 12 and 17 years exhibited significant sex disproportion. Most of these adverse events had a short time to onset (median time: 1 day) and fatality rate was 0.44%. Our analysis of global data revealed an increase in pericarditis and myocarditis reports associated with vaccines, particularly live vaccines like smallpox and anthrax, notably in young males. While these adverse events are generally rare and mild, caution is warranted, especially for healthcare workers, due to potential myocardial injury‐related in‐hospital mortality. Further study with validated reporting is crucial to enhance accuracy in evaluating the correlation between vaccines and cardiac conditions for preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a highly significant, positive association between anthrax vaccination and occurrence of Gulf War Illness (GWI) in 111 Gulf War veterans (42 with GWI and 69 controls). GWI was diagnosed in 47.1% of vaccinated veterans but only in 17.2% of non-vaccinated veterans (Pearson χ2 = 7.08, p = 0.008; odds ratio = 3.947; relative risk = 2.617), with 1.6x higher GWI symptom severity in vaccinated veterans (p = 0.007, F-test in analysis of covariance). Next, we tested the hypothesis that the susceptibility to GWI following anthrax vaccination could be due to inability to make antibodies against the anthrax protective antigen (PA), the key protein contained in the vaccine. Since the first step in initiating antibody production would be the binding of PA peptide fragments (typically 15-amino acid long [15-mer]) to peptide-binding motifs of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class II molecules, we assessed the binding-motif affinities of such HLA specific molecules to all linear 15-mer peptide fragments of the anthrax PA. We identified a total of 58 HLA Class II alleles carried by the veterans in our sample and found that, of those, 18 (31%) were present in the vaccinated group that did not develop GWI but were absent from the vaccinated group who developed GWI. Remarkably, in silico analyses revealed very high binding affinities of peptide-binding motifs of those 18 HLA alleles with fragments of anthrax vaccine PA, leading to the successful production of anti-PA antibodies. Conversely, the absence of these protective HLA alleles points to a reduced ability to develop antibodies against PA, thus resulting in harmful PA persistence and development of GWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax infections caused by Bacillus anthracis are an ongoing bioterrorism and livestock threat worldwide. Current approaches for management, including extended passive antibody transfusion, antibiotics, and prophylactic vaccination, are often cumbersome and associated with low patient compliance. Here, we report on the development of an adjuvanted nanotoxoid vaccine based on macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles bound with anthrax toxins. This design leverages the natural binding interaction of protective antigen, a key anthrax toxin, with macrophages. In a murine model, a single low-dose vaccination with the nanotoxoids generates long-lasting immunity that protects against subsequent challenge with anthrax toxins. Overall, this work provides a new approach to address the ongoing threat of anthrax outbreaks and bioterrorism by taking advantage of an emerging biomimetic nanotechnology.

Protective antigen (PA) is a protein produced by Bacillus anthracis. It forms part of the anthrax toxin and is a key immunogen in US and UK anthrax vaccines. In this study, we have conducted experiments to quantify PA in the supernatants of cultures of B. anthracis Sterne strain, which is the strain used in the manufacture of the UK anthrax vaccine. Then, for the first time, we quantify PA production and degradation via mathematical modelling and Bayesian statistical techniques, making use of this new experimental data as well as two other independent published data sets. We propose a single mathematical model, in terms of delay differential equations (DDEs), which can explain the in vitro dynamics of all three data sets. Since we did not heat activate the B. anthracis spores prior to inoculation, germination occurred much slower in our experiments, allowing us to calibrate two additional parameters with respect to the other data sets. Our model is able to distinguish between natural PA decay and that triggered by bacteria via proteases. There is promising consistency between the different independent data sets for most of the parameter estimates. The quantitative characterisation of B. anthracis PA production and degradation obtained here will contribute towards the ambition to include a realistic description of toxin dynamics, the host immune response, and anti-toxin treatments in future mechanistic models of anthrax infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institut Pasteur and Bacillus anthracis have enjoyed a relationship lasting almost 120 years, starting from its foundation and the pioneering work of Louis Pasteur in the nascent fields of microbiology and vaccination, and blooming after 1986 following the molecular biology/genetic revolution. This contribution will give a historical overview of these two research eras, taking advantage of the archives conserved at Institut Pasteur. The first era mainly focused on the production, characterisation, surveillance and improvement of veterinary anthrax vaccines; the concepts and technologies with which to reach a deep understanding of this research field were not yet available. The second period saw a new era of B. anthracis research at Institut Pasteur, with the anthrax laboratory developing a multi-disciplinary approach, ranging from structural analysis, biochemistry, genetic expression, and regulation to bacterial-host cell interactions, in vivo pathogenicity, and therapy development; this led to the comprehensive unravelling of many facets of this toxi-infection. B. anthracis may exemplify some general points on how science is performed in a given society at a given time and how a scientific research domain evolves. A striking illustration can be seen in the additive layers of regulations that were implemented from the beginning of the 21st century and their impact on B. anthracis research. B. anthracis and anthrax are complex systems that raise many valuable questions regarding basic research. One may hope that B. anthracis research will be re-initiated under favourable circumstances later at Institut Pasteur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (AIGIV [ANTHRASIL]), was developed for the treatment of toxemia associated with inhalational anthrax. It is a plasma product collected from individuals vaccinated with anthrax vaccine and contains antitoxin IgG antibodies against Bacillus anthracis protective antigen. A pharmacokinetic (PK) and exposure–response model was constructed to assess the PKs of AIGIV in anthrax‐free and anthrax‐exposed rabbits, non‐human primates and anthrax‐free humans, as well as the relationship between AIGIV exposure and survival from anthrax, based on available preclinical/clinical studies. The potential effect of anthrax on the PKs of AIGIV was evaluated and estimates of survival odds following administration of AIGIV protective doses with and without antibiotic co‐treatment were established. As the developed PK model can simulate exposure of AIGIV in any species for any dosing scenario, the relationship between the predicted area under the concentration curve of AIGIV in humans and the probability of survival observed in preclinical studies was explored. Based on the simulation results, the intravenous administration of 420 U (units of potency as measured by validated Toxin Neutralization Assay) of AIGIV is expected to result in a > 80% probability of survival in more than 90% of the human population. Additional simulations suggest that exposure levels were similar in healthy and obese humans, and exposure in pediatrics is expected to be up to approximately seven‐fold higher than in healthy adults, allowing for doses in pediatric populations that ranged from one to seven vials. Overall, the optimal human dose was justified based on the PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of AIGIV in animals and model‐based translation of PK/PD to predict human exposure and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination against Bacillus anthracis is the best preventive measure against the development of deadly anthrax disease in the event of exposure to anthrax either as a bioweapon or in its naturally occurring form. Anthrax vaccines, however, have historically been plagued with controversy, particularly related to their safety. Fortunately, recent improvements in anthrax vaccines have been shown to confer protection with reduced short-term safety concerns, although questions about long-term safety remain. Here, we (a) review recent and ongoing advances in anthrax vaccine development, (b) emphasize the need for thorough characterization of current (and future) vaccines, (c) bring to focus the importance of host immunogenetics as the ultimate determinant of successful antibody production and protection, and (d) discuss the need for the systematic, active, and targeted monitoring of vaccine recipients for possible Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-deployment health surveys completed by military personnel ask about a range of deployment experiences. These surveys are conducted to determine if there are links between experiences and poor health. Responses to open-ended questions in these surveys can identify experiences that might otherwise go unreported. These responses may increase knowledge about a particular deployment and inform future surveys. This study documented deployment experiences described by Australian Defence Force personnel who were deployed to the Middle East. Materials and Methods: A survey completed by 14,032 personnel examined health outcomes and over 100 experiences relating to their Middle East deployment. Responses to two open-ended questions captured additional experiences. Descriptive statistics reveal the characteristics of those who did and did not describe additional experiences, and a content analysis details the nature and frequency of the experiences reported. The study was approved by an Institutional Review Board. Results: Five percentage (n = 692) of personnel who completed the survey described additional deployment experiences. The most frequently reported experiences were specific Navy experiences; experiences of poor leadership; administrative or organizational issues; the anthrax vaccine; and traumatic events/potentially morally injurious experiences. Conclusions: The findings suggest that post-deployment health surveys should have questions about certain deployment experiences tailored by military service (i.e., Air Force, Army, and Navy). Researchers could consider including questions about personnel experiences of leadership for its impact on health and about potentially morally injurious experiences that may help explain adverse mental health. Clear wording of open-ended questions and participant instructions may improve response rates and reduce response biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The immunogenicity and efficacy of GC1109 were tested using A/J mice model. • A booster dose of GC1109 after 3 serial vaccinations enhanced the level of anti-PA IgG and toxin-neutralizing capacity. • Correlation between TNA NF 50 titer and survival was observed. • A TNA NF 50 of 0.21 corresponded to 70 % probability of protection in A/J mice. A recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine (GC1109) is being developed as a new-generation vaccine by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. In accordance with the ongoing step 2 of phase II clinical trials, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the booster dose of GC1109 were evaluated in A/J mice after 3 serial vaccinations at 4-week intervals. The results indicated that the booster dose significantly increased the production of anti-protective antigen (PA) IgG and toxin-neutralizing antibody (TNA) compared with those of the group without booster. An enhanced protective effect of the booster dose was not observed because the TNA titers of the group without booster were high enough to confer protection against spore challenge. Additionally, the correlation between TNA titers and probability of survival was determined for calculating the threshold TNA titer levels associated with protection. The threshold 50 % neutralization factor (NF 50) of TNA showing 70 % probability of protection was 0.21 in A/J mice with 1,200 LD 50 Sterne spores challenge. These results indicate that GC1109 is a promising candidate as a new-generation anthrax vaccine and that a booster dose might provide enhanced protection by producing toxin-neutralizing antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The whole-genome sequencing of a putative No. II vaccine strain PNO2 with specific phenotypes was completed. The PNO2 strain is more like a Tsiankovskii strain than a Pasteur II strain. The inactivation of nprR gene resulted in the nonproteolytic phenotype of PNO2 and attenuated sporulation. The nprR was then found to be required for Bacillus anthracis sporulation. Further, inactivation or low expression of abs genes may be an important cause of vaccine strain virulence attenuation. Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease anthrax. Here, we studied the characteristic phenotype and virulence attenuation of the putative No. II vaccine strain, PNO2, which was reportedly introduced from the Pasteur Institute in 1934. Characterization of the strain showed that, compared with the control strain, A16Q1, the attenuated PNO2 (PNO2D1) was phospholipase-positive, with impaired protein hydrolysis and significantly reduced sporulation. Additionally, PNO2D1 significantly extended the survival times of anthrax-challenged mice. An evolutionary tree analysis revealed that PNO2D1 was not a Pasteur strain but was more closely related to a Tsiankovskii strain. A database comparison revealed a seven-base insertion mutation in the nprR gene. Although it did not block nprR transcription, the insertion mutation resulted in the premature termination of protein translation. nprR deletion of A16Q1 resulted in a nonproteolytic phenotype that could not sporulate. The database comparison revealed that the abs gene is also prone to mutation, and the abs promoter activity was much lower in PNO2D1 than in A16Q1. Low abs expression may be an important reason for the decreased virulence of PNO2D1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific knowledge on the distribution of anthrax, a zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, remains limited. In this study, we describe disease incidence and spatial distribution of human and livestock anthrax using spatially smoothed cumulative incidence from 2004 to 2020 in Cao Bang province, Vietnam. We employed the zonal statistics routine a geographic information system (GIS) using QGIS, and spatial rate smoothing using spatial Bayes smoothing in GeoDa. Results showed higher incidence of livestock anthrax compared with human anthrax. We also identified co-occurrence of anthrax in humans and livestock in northwestern districts and the province center. Livestock anthrax vaccine coverage was <6% and not equally distributed among the districts of Cao Bang province. We provide implications for future studies and recommend improving disease surveillance and response through data sharing between human and animal health sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bacillus anthracis exosporium nap is the outermost portion of spore that interacts with the environment and host systems. Changes to this layer have the potential to impact wide-ranging physiological and immunological processes. The unique sugar, anthrose, normally coats the exosporium nap at its most distal points. We previously identified additional mechanisms rendering B. anthracis anthrose negative. In this work, several new ant−B. anthracis strains are identified and the impact of anthrose negativity on spore physiology is investigated. We demonstrate that live-attenuated Sterne vaccines as well as culture filtrate anthrax vaccines generate antibodies targeting non-protein components of the spore. The role of anthrose as a vegetative B. anthracis Sterne signaling molecule is implicated by luminescent expression strain assays, RNA-seq experiments, and toxin secretion analysis by western blot. Pure anthrose and the sporulation-inducing nucleoside analogue decoyinine had similar effects on toxin expression. Co-culture experiments demonstrated gene expression changes in B. anthracis depend on intracellular anthrose status (cis) in addition to anthrose status of extracellular interactions (trans). These findings provide a mechanism for how a unique spore-specific sugar residue affects physiology, expression and genetics of vegetative B. anthracis with impacts on the ecology, pathogenesis, and vaccinology of anthrax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax is a serious zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects wild herbivorous animals with spillover into humans. The disease occurs nearly worldwide but is poorly reported in Southeast Asian countries. In Vietnam, anthrax is underreported, and little is known about its temporal and spatial distributions. This paper examines the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiological characteristics of human and livestock anthrax from Dien Bien province, Vietnam from 2010 to 2019. We also aim to define the role of livestock vaccination in reducing human cases. Historical anthrax data were collected by local human and animal health sectors in the province. Spatial rate smoothing and spatial clustering analysis, using Local Moran's I in GeoDa and space-time scan statistic in SaTScan, were employed to address these objectives. We found temporal and spatial overlap of anthrax incidence in humans and livestock with hotspots of human anthrax in the east. We identified three significant space-time clusters of human anthrax persisting from 2010 to 2014 in the east and southeast, each with high relative risk. Most of the human cases were male (69%), aged 15–59 years (80%), involved in processing, slaughtering, or eating meat of sick or dead livestock (96.9%) but environmental and unknown exposure were reported. Animal reports were limited compared to humans and at coarser spatial scale, but in areas with human case clusters. In years when livestock vaccination was high (>~25%), human incidence was reduced, with the opposite effect when vaccine rates dropped. This indicates livestock vaccination campaigns reduce anthrax burden in both humans and livestock in Vietnam, though livestock surveillance needs immediate improvement. These findings suggest further investigation and measures to strengthen the surveillance of human and animal anthrax for other provinces of Vietnam, as well as in other countries with similar disease context. Author summary: Anthrax is a bacterial disease, cause by Bacillus anthracis, that can transmit from herbivorous animals to humans through close contact, eating meat of infected animals, or through environmental contamination. Anthrax can be a severe disease requiring early diagnosis and treatment to avoid fatal outcomes, disability, or financial burden to patients and their families. The disease also affects human well-being when livestock is their livelihood and an important part in agricultural practice. Anthrax is preventable by vaccine but effective strategy for vaccine distribution should be built on the characteristics of the disease in both human communities and the local animal populations. This study provides evidence on the space-time distribution and other characteristics of anthrax applying a One Health approach and geographical information analysis techniques. We show that hotspots of human disease correspond to areas of animal case reporting. We also show human incidence is reduced with livestock vaccination rates are relatively high. The study results are useful for researchers to foster investigation on other aspects of the disease and control efforts. It also provides scientific evidence for advocacy and communication on the importance of anthrax vaccination and strategic planning on vaccine production and distribution in Vietnam and other countries with similar context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Department of Defense has implemented a mandate that all military personnel be vaccinated against COVID-19. This article reviews the historical precedent of vaccine mandates for United States military personnel dating back to the formation of the continental army, as well as previous controversies about vaccine mandates such as the first influenza vaccine mandate and the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program. The historical review discusses precedent for the current COVID-19 vaccine mandate and the reception of these vaccine mandates by military personnel. The review then discusses how these historical lessons can inform the present COVID-19 vaccine mandate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the cellular uptake of liposomes, we prepared conventional liposomes with targeting molecules and surface-charged liposomes and evaluated their potential as nano-carriers and vaccine adjuvants by comparing their endocytosis efficiencies using immune cells. Surface-charged liposomes were synthesized via a one-step microfluidic method, which provided a novel, simple, fast, and highly reproducible method for preparing liposomes. Flow cytometry revealed that cationic polyelectrolyte-coated liposomes exhibited higher endocytosis efficiencies (of up to a factor of 100) in A774A.1 cells and JAWs II cells compared with uncoated liposomes or those coated with anionic polyelectrolytes. Positively charged liposomes exhibited some cytotoxicity at quaternary-chitosan coating concentrations higher than 6 mg/mL; however, significantly lower cytotoxicities (by a factor of almost ten) were obtained by protein mixing. Furthermore, BALB/c mice vaccinated with a mixture of Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) and quaternary chitosan-coated liposomes showed faster and stronger anti-PA IgG inductions compared to those vaccinated with AVA alone, with titers positively correlating with the amount of cationic liposome used. This finding clearly reveals that quaternary chitosan-coated liposomes act as both nano-carriers and vaccine adjuvants that significantly enhance in-vivo immune responses to vaccines with low immunogenicities. • Polyelectrolyte coated liposomes were prepared via a single-step microfluidic method. • Quaternary chitosan coating increased uptake by 100-fold than those without coating. • AVA+cationic liposomes induce higher IgG anti-PA antibodies titers than AVA only. • Quaternary chitosan-coated liposomes act as both carriers and vaccine adjuvants. • We provides an innovative system for the development of new liposomal vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AVP booster doses elicit significant increases in anti-PA & anti-LF IgG concentrations. • TNA NF 50 response to AVP boosters increases as time interval between doses increases. • JCVI extended interval between AVP booster doses from 1 to 10 years on basis of results. • Anti-PA & anti-LF IgG contribute independently to anthrax lethal toxin neutralisation. We undertook a Phase 4 clinical trial to assess the effect of time interval between booster doses on serological responses to AVP. The primary objective was to evaluate responses to a single booster dose in two groups of healthy adults who had previously received a complete 4-dose primary course. Group A had received doses on schedule while Group B had not had one for ≥2 years. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AVP booster doses, and to gain information on correlates of protection to aid future anthrax vaccine development. Blood samples were taken on Day 1 before dosing, and on Days 8, 15, 29 and 120, to measure Toxin Neutralisation Assay (TNA) NF 50 values and concentrations of IgG antibodies against Protective Antigen (PA), Lethal Factor (LF) and Edema Factor (EF) by ELISA. For each serological parameter, fold changes from baseline following the trial AVP dose were greater in Group B than Group A at every time-point studied. Peak responses correlated positively with time since last AVP dose (highest values being observed after intervals of ≥10 years), and negatively with number of previous doses (highest values occurring in individuals who had received a primary course only). In 2017, having reviewed these results, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) updated UK anthrax vaccination guidelines, extending the interval between routine AVP boosters from one to 10 years. Booster doses of AVP induce significant IgG responses against the three anthrax toxin components, particularly PA and LF. Similarly high responses were observed in TNA, a recognised surrogate for anthrax vaccine efficacy. Analysis of the 596 TNA results showed that anti-PA and anti-LF IgG make substantial independent contributions to neutralisation of anthrax lethal toxin. AVP may therefore have advantages over anthrax vaccines that depend on generating immunity to PA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causative agent of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, evades the host immune response and establishes infection through the production of binary exotoxins composed of Protective Antigen (PA) and one of two subunits, lethal factor (LF) or edema factor (EF). The majority of vaccination strategies have focused upon the antibody response to the PA subunit. We have used a panel of humanised HLA class II transgenic mouse strains to define HLA-DR-restricted and HLA-DQ-restricted CD4+ T cell responses to the immunodominant epitopes of PA. This was correlated with the binding affinities of epitopes to HLA class II molecules, as well as the responses of two human cohorts: individuals vaccinated with the Anthrax Vaccine Precipitated (AVP) vaccine (which contains PA and trace amounts of LF), and patients recovering from cutaneous anthrax infections. The infected and vaccinated cohorts expressing different HLA types were found to make CD4+ T cell responses to multiple and diverse epitopes of PA. The effects of HLA polymorphism were explored using transgenic mouse lines, which demonstrated differential susceptibility, indicating that HLA-DR1 and HLA-DQ8 alleles conferred protective immunity relative to HLA-DR15, HLA-DR4 and HLA-DQ6. The HLA transgenics enabled a reductionist approach, allowing us to better define CD4+ T cell epitopes. Appreciating the effects of HLA polymorphism on the variability of responses to natural infection and vaccination is vital in planning protective strategies against anthrax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The most promising approach to the development of anthrax vaccine is use of the anthrax protective antigen (PA). At the same time, recombinant PA is a very unstable protein. Previously, the authors have designed a stable modified recombinant anthrax protective antigen with inactivated proteolytic sites and substituted deamidation sites (rPA83m). As a second approach to recombinant PA stabilisation, plant virus spherical particles (SPs) were used as a stabiliser. The combination of these two approaches was shown to be the most effective. Here, the authors report the results of a detailed study of the stability, immunogenicity and protectiveness of rPA83m C SPs compositions. These compositions were shown to be stable, provided high anti-rPA83m antibody titres in guinea pigs and were able to protect them from a fully virulent 81/1 Bacillus anthracis strain. Given these facts, the formulation of rPA83m C SPs compositions is considered to be a prospective anthrax vaccine candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to analyze and characterize anthrax vaccine-related research, key developments, global research trends, and mapping of published scientific research articles during the last three decades (1991–2021). Methods: A bibliometric and visualized study was conducted. The Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) was searched using relevant keywords ("Anthrax" OR "Anthrax bacterium" OR "Bacillus anthracis" OR "Bacteridium anthracis" OR "Bacillus cereus var. Anthracis" (Topic)) AND ("Vaccine" OR "Vaccines" OR "Immunization" OR "Immunisation" OR "Immunizations" OR "Immunisations" (Topic)) with specific restrictions. The data was analyzed and plotted by using different bibliometric software and tools (HistCiteTM software, version 12.3.17, Bibliometrix: An R-tool version 3.2.1, and VOSviewer software, version 1.6.17). Results: The initial search yielded 1750 documents. After screening the titles and abstracts of the published studies, a total of 1090 articles published from 1991 to 2021 were included in the final analysis. These articles were published in 334 journals and were authored by 4567 authors from 64 countries with a collaboration index of 4.32. The annual scientific production growth rate was found to be 9.68%. The analyzed articles were cited 31335 times. The most productive year was 2006 (n = 77, 7.06%), while the most cited year was 2007 (2561 citations). The leading authors and journals in anthrax research were Rakesh Bhatnagar from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India (n = 35, 3.21%), and Vaccine (n = 1830, 16.51%), while the most cited author and journal were Arthur M. Friedlander from the United States Department of Defense (n = 2762), and Vaccine (n = 5696), respectively. The most studied recent research trend topics were lethal, double-blind, epidemiology, B surface antigen, disease, and toxin. The United States of America (USA) was the most dominant country in terms of publications, citations, corresponding author country, and global collaboration in anthrax vaccine research. The USA had the strongest collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK), China, Canada, Germany, and France. Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study that provides a comprehensive historical overview of scientific studies. From 2006 to 2008, more than 20% of the total articles were published; however, a decrease was observed since 2013 in anthrax vaccine research. The developed countries made significant contributions to anthrax vaccine-related research, especially the USA. Among the top 10 leading authors, six authors are from the USA. The majority of the top leading institutions are also from the USA. About 90% of the total studies were funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Louis Pasteur is the most internationally known French scientist. He discovered molecular chirality, and he contributed to the understanding of the process of fermentation, helping brewers and winemakers to improve their beverages. He proposed a process, known as pasteurization, for the sterilization of wines. He established the germ theory of infectious diseases that allowed Joseph Lister to develop his antiseptic practice in surgery. He solved the problem of silkworm disease, although he had refuted the idea of Antoine Béchamp, who first considered it was a microbial infection. He created four vaccines (fowl cholera, anthrax, pig erysipelas, and rabies) in the paths of his precursors, Henri Toussaint (anthrax vaccine) and Pierre Victor Galtier (rabies vaccine). He generalized the word "vaccination" coined by Richard Dunning, Edward Jenner's friend. Robert Koch, his most famous opponent, pointed out the great ambiguity of Pasteur's approach to preparing his vaccines. Analysis of his laboratory notebooks has allowed historians to discern the differences between the legend built by his hagiographers and reality. In this review, we revisit his career, his undeniable achievements, and tell the truth about a hero who made every effort to build his own fame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax is a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that affects mammals, including humans. Recombinant B. anthracis protective antigen (rPA) is the most common basis for modern anthrax vaccine candidates. However, this protein is characterised by low stability due to proteolysis and deamidation. Here, for the first time, two modification variants leading to full-size rPA stabilisation have been implemented simultaneously, through deamidation-prone asparagine residues substitution and by inactivation of proteolysis sites. Obtained modified rPA (rPA83m) has been demonstrated to be stable in various temperature conditions. Additionally, rPA1+2 containing PA domains I and II and rPA3+4 containing domains III and IV, including the same modifications, have been shown to be stable as well. These antigens can serve as the basis for a vaccine, since the protective properties of PA can be attributed to individual PA domains. The stability of each of three modified anthrax antigens has been considerably improved in compositions with tobacco mosaic virus-based spherical particles (SPs). rPA1+2/rPA3+4/rPA83m in compositions with SPs have maintained their antigenic specificity even after 40 days of incubation at +37 °C. Considering previously proven adjuvant properties and safety of SPs, their compositions with rPA83m/rPA1+2/rPA3+4 in any combinations might be suitable as a basis for new-generation anthrax vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While Bacillus cereus typically causes opportunistic infections in humans, within the last three decades, severe and fatal infections caused by isolates of the B. cereus group harboring anthrax toxin genes have been reported in the United States. From 1994 to 2020, seven cases of anthrax-like illness resulting from these isolates have been identified. With one exception, the cases have occurred in the Gulf States region of the United States among metalworkers. We aimed to develop an ecological niche model (ENM) to estimate a spatial area conducive to the survival of these organisms based on the presence of known human infections and environmental variables. The estimated ecological niche for B. cereus was modeled with the maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent). Environmental variables contributing most to the model were soil characteristics (cation exchange capacity, carbon content, soil pH), temperature, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and land surface temperature (LST). Much of the suitable environments were located throughout the Gulf Coast Plain, Texas Backland Prairies, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Cross Timbers, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and Central Great Plains. These findings may provide additional guidance to narrow potential risk areas to efficiently communicate messages to metalworkers and potentially identify individuals who may benefit from the anthrax vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessment of plant-produced recombinant PA83 antigen in humans. • All dose ranges tested were safe and immunogenic. • Immunogenicity is dose dependent and peaked one month after the final vaccine administration. The potential use of Bacillus anthracis as a bioterrorism weapon requires a safe and effective vaccine that can be immediately distributed for mass vaccination. Protective antigen (PA), a principal component of virulence factors edema toxin and lethal toxin of B. anthracis, has been the topic of extensive research. Previously, full-length PA (PA83) was manufactured using a transient plant-based expression system. Immunization with this PA83 antigen formulated with Alhydrogel® adjuvant elicited strong neutralizing immune responses in mice and rabbits and protected 100% of rabbits from a lethal aerosolized B. anthracis challenge. This Phase 1 study evaluates this vaccine's safety and immunogenicity in healthy human volunteers. This first-in-human, single-blind, Phase 1 study was performed at a single center to investigate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of the plant-derived PA83-FhCMB vaccine at four escalating dose levels (12.5, 25, 50 or 100 µg) with Alhydrogel® in healthy adults 18–49 years of age (inclusive). Recipients received three doses of vaccine intramuscularly at 28-day intervals. Safety was evaluated on days 3, 7, and 14 following vaccination. Immunogenicity was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a toxin neutralizing antibody (TNA) assay on days 0, 14, 28, 56, 84, and 180. All four-dose ranges were safe and immunogenic, with no related serious adverse events observed. Peak ELISA Geometric Mean Concentration (GMC) and TNA ED 50 Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) were noted at Day 84, 1 month after the final dose, with the most robust response detected in the highest dose group. Antibody responses decreased by Day 180 across all dose groups. Long-term immunogenicity data beyond six months was not collected. This is the first study demonstrating a plant-derived subunit anthrax vaccine's safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults. The results support further clinical investigation of the PA83-FhCMB vaccine. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. NCT02239172. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current therapies for anthrax include the use of antibiotics (i.e., doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin), an anthrax vaccine (BioThrax) and Bacillus anthracis -specific, monoclonal antibody (mAb) (i.e., Raxibacumab and obiltoxaximab). In this study, we investigated the activity of immunomodulators, which potentiate inflammatory responses through innate immune receptors. The rationale for the use of innate immune receptor agonists as adjunctive immunomodulators for infectious diseases is based on the concept that augmentation of host defense should promote the antimicrobial mechanism of the host. Our aim was to explore the anti- B. anthracis effector function of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists using a mouse model. Amongst the six TLR ligands tested, Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 ligand) was the best at protecting mice from lethal challenge of B. anthracis. We then evaluated the activity of a novel TLR2 ligand, DA-98-WW07. DA-98-WW07 demonstrated enhanced protection in B. anthracis infected mice. The surviving mice that received DA-98-WW07 when re-challenged with B. anthracis 20 days post the first infection showed increased survival rate. Moreover, ciprofloxacin, when treated in adjunct with a suboptimal concentration of DA-98-WW07 demonstrated augmented activity in protecting mice from B. anthracis infection. Taken together, we report the prophylactic treatment potential of DA-98-WW07 for anthrax and the utility of immunomodulators in combination with an antibiotic to treat infections caused by the B. anthracis bacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis is a fatal zoonotic disease with a high lethality and poor prognosis. Inhalational anthrax is the most severe of the three forms of anthrax. The currently licensed commercial human anthrax vaccines require a complex immunization procedure for efficacy and have side effects that limit its use in emergent situations. Thus, development of a better anthrax vaccine is necessary. In this study, we evaluate the potency and efficacy of aerosolized intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation with recombinant protective antigen (rPA) subunit vaccines against aerosolized B. anthracis Pasteur II spores (an attenuated strain) challenge in a B10.D2-Hc0 mouse (deficient in complement component C5) model. Immunization of rPA in liquid, powder or powder reconstituted formulations via i.t. route conferred 100% protection against a 20× LD50 aerosolized Pasteur II spore challenge in mice, compared with only 50% of subcutaneous (s.c.) injection with liquid rPA. Consistently, i.t. inoculation of rPA vaccines induced a higher lethal toxin (LeTx) neutralizing antibody titer, a stronger lung mucosal immune response and a greater cellular immune response than s.c. injection. Our results demonstrate that immunization with rPA dry powder vaccine via i.t. route may provide a stable and effective strategy to improve currently available anthrax vaccines and B10.D2-Hc0 mice challenged with B. anthracis attenuated strains might be an alternative model for anthrax vaccine candidate screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study is a baseline survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices with regards to the anthrax disease among the communities before demonstrating a One Health approach for elimination of human anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha. A total of 2670 respondents from 112 villages of 14 blocks were interviewed for the study using a structured questionnaire by multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive statistics were reported and logistic regression was performed to estimate the relationship between the variables and knowledge of anthrax.Result: Out of 2670 participants in the study, 76.25% were male and about half were illiterate. Most of the respondents (54.19%) were involved in agriculture as an occupation. 71% of the respondents had livestock in their houses and farming was the main purpose for keeping the livestock. Only one-fifth of the respondents (20.26%) knew about anthrax and a majority of them have come across the disease during community outbreaks. Almost 25.9% of livestock owners had knowledge about vaccination against anthrax disease although 83.4% of the livestock owners disposed the animal carcass by burial method.Conclusion: The study findings indicated that the community members had poor knowledge of cause, symptoms, transmission and prevention of anthrax disease which may be improved by a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-anthrax vaccination is stressful for animals, with a potential negative impact on some immune effectors. This research aimed to investigate the extent of those and estimate the effectiveness of vaccination. Twenty-three extensively raised dairy cows and 11 calves were sampled before and two weeks after the anthrax vaccination (R 1190 Stamatin strain). Blood samples were collected, subjected to blood counts and the N/L ratio was calculated as a stress index. The total Ig (24%o zinc sulphate precipitation) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) (4.2% polyethylene glycol precipitation) were quantified from the serum samples. The N/L ratio was of 0.79 ± 0 .59 before and 0.58 ± 0.45 after the vaccination in adult animals, while in calves it increased significantly (0.61 ± 0.25 and 1.11 ± 0.68, respectively). The total Ig concentrations supported a lesser immunization of the calves than in dairy cows (6.95 ± 2.09 versus 12.10 ± 6.68 Vernes degrees, respectively) supporting the more stressful effect of the primary vaccination than of the booster one. Nevertheless, the antibody clearance was enhanced in the younger animals (5.4 ± 0.25 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 ODU, respectively). Repeated stimulation is the substrate for an enhanced adaptive response to vaccination in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New strategies in the development of anthrax vaccines and therapeutics have been presented. Recently, considerable progress has been made in the finding of new drugs and suitable therapy for anthrax. Very promising research considers the use of antimicrobials against selected bacteria species, including antibiotic-resistant strains. However, alternative therapeutic options should also be considered, among them vaccines. Bacillus anthracis spores are still the most dangerous weapon amongst pathogens which can be used in a bio-terror attack. In this case, research for new anti-anthrax preparations is of primary importance for the protection of humans and animals. The overview of the most recent data shows the many new and promising possibilities for effective strategies in the development of vaccines and anti-anthrax preparations. The most effective of them should be available in the National Stockpile in the event of a biological crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live anthrax vaccine containing spores from attenuated strains STI-1 of Bacillus anthracis is used in Russia and former CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) to prevent anthrax. In this paper we studied the duration of circulation of antibodies specific to spore antigens, the protective antigen (PA), the lethal factor (LF) and their domains (D) in donors' blood at different times after their immunization with live anthrax vaccine. The relationship between the toxin neutralization activity level and the level of antibodies to PA, LF and their domains was tested. The effect of age, gender and number of vaccinations on the level of adaptive post-vaccination immune response has been studied. It was shown that antibodies against PA-D1 circulate in the blood of donors for 1 year or more after immunization with live anthrax vaccine. Antibodies against all domains of LF and PA-D4 were detected in 11 months after vaccination. Antibodies against the spores were detected in 8 months after vaccination. A moderate positive correlation was found between the titers of antibodies to PA, LF, or their domains, and the TNA of the samples of blood serum from the donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anthrax is the highest-ranked priority zoonotic disease in Kenya with about ten human cases annually. Anthrax outbreak was reported in Kisumu East Sub County after some villagers slaughtered and ate beef from a cow suspected to have died of anthrax. We aimed at establishing the magnitude of the outbreak, described associated factors, and assessed community knowledge, attitude, and practices on anthrax. Methods: We reviewed human and animal records, conducted case search and contact tracing using standard case definitions in the period from July 1through to July 28, 2019. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess community knowledge, attitude, and practices towards anthrax. The household selection was done using multistage sampling. We cleaned and analyzed data in Ms. Excel and Epi Info. Descriptive statistics were carried out for continuous and categorical variables while analytical statistics for the association between dependent and independent variables were calculated. Results: Out of 53 persons exposed through consumption or contact with suspicious beef, 23 cases (confirmed: 1, probable: 4, suspected: 18) were reviewed. The proportion of females was 52.17% (12/23), median age 13.5 years and range 45 years. The attack rate was 43.4% (23/53) and the case fatality rate was 4.35% (1/23). Knowledge level, determined by dividing those considered to be 'having good knowledge' on anthrax (numerator) by the total number of respondents (denominator) in the population regarding cause, transmission, symptoms and prevention was 51% for human anthrax and 52% for animal anthrax. Having good knowledge on anthrax was associated with rural residence [OR = 5.5 (95% CI 2.1–14.4; p<0.001)], having seen a case of anthrax [OR = 6.2 (95% CI 2.8–14.2; p<0.001)] and among those who present cattle for vaccination [OR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.2–5.6; p = 0.02)]. About 23.2% (26/112) would slaughter and sell beef to neighbors while 63.4% (71/112) would bury or burn the carcass. Nearly 93.8% (105/112) believed vaccination prevents anthrax. However, 5.4% (62/112) present livestock for vaccination. Conclusion: Most anthrax exposures were through meat consumption. Poor knowledge of the disease might hamper prevention and control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of Vitamin C on oxidative stress in anthrax vaccinated cattle were investigated. The research was performed on 40 healthy cattle without any race and gender difference, and aged 6-8 months that were not anthrax vaccinated. The cattle were divided into four equal groups. The first group was determined as the control group. 1 ml anthrax vaccine was administered to the second group, 1 ml anthrax vaccine and 5 mg/kg dose of vitamin C was administered to the third group, and vitamin C was administered to the fourth group at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Blood collection were collected and serum samples were extracted just before the vaccination and drug administration (0th day) and on the 2nd, 14th and 28th days after the administration. Nitric Oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels of serum samples were evaluated. It was found that the MDA and NO levels significantly increased (P<0.05), and the amount of SOD and CAT decreased in the vaccine group on the 2nd, 14th and 28th days compared to the control group. It was determined that the MDA and NO levels in the vaccine-vitamin groups on the 2nd, 14th and 28th days decreased insignificantly (P> 0.05) compared to the vaccine group. It can be asserted that the use of vitamin C in combination with anthrax vaccine in cattle would be beneficial in terms of reducing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax is endemic in Ethiopia with sporadic outbreaks despite the regular vaccination of domestic livestock. This has raised concerns on the effectiveness of the vaccination strategy which may be associated with breaches in the vaccine cold chain maintenance. This study was aimed at demonstrating the tolerance of anthrax vaccine to cold chain breaches through evaluation of viable spore counts expressed as colony forming units per mL (CFU/mL) of freeze-dried and suspension anthrax vaccines stored at 5 °C, 20 °C and 37 °C for up to 6 months. Both vaccine formulations maintained above the recommended minimum required titre (2 × 106 culturable spores per dose for cattle, buffaloes and horses, and not <1 × 106 for sheep and goats) for up to 6 months at 5 °C storage. In storage at 20 °C, the viability of freeze-dried anthrax vaccine maintained the minimum required titre up to 6 months while up to 90 days in case of the suspension formulation. Both types of vaccine formulations maintained the minimum titre per dose for up to 30 days at 37 °C storage. Generally, both vaccine formulations showed similar trends in titre fall in all of the three storage temperatures (5 °C, 20 °C and 37 °C) as observed in the almost linearly overlapping 95% confidence intervals (CI) up to day 90 at 5 °C and 20 °C storages while up to day 30 at 37 °C storage. However, a significant (P < 0.05) drop in titre was observed after day 90 for storages at 5 °C and 20 °C, and after day 30 for 37 °C storage as observed in the non overlapping 95% CI from the average titres of previous time points. This study showed that if temperature excursion occurs above the recommended temperature range (4–8 °C) during storage or transport, the vaccine should remain effective and can still be used in vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Px563L is a next-generation anthrax vaccine candidate consisting of a protein subunit, mutant recombinant protective antigen SNKE167-ΔFF-315-E308D (mrPA), and liposome-embedded monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvant. Px563L has the potential to deliver an improved safety and immunogenicity profile relative to the currently licensed vaccine, which is produced from filtered B. anthracis culture supernatants. We conducted a Phase 1, double–blind, placebo–controlled, dose–escalation study in 54 healthy subjects to evaluate Px563L at 3 dose levels of mrPA (10, 50, and 80 mcg). For each dose level, 18 subjects were randomized in an 8:8:2 ratio to Px563L (mrPA with adjuvant), RPA563 (mrPA only) or placebo (saline). Each subject received an intramuscular (IM) injection on Day 0 and Day 28. Primary safety and immunogenicity analysis was conducted after all subjects completed the Day 70 visit, a duration deemed clinically relevant for post-exposure prophylaxis. Long-term safety was assessed through Day 393. Vaccinations with Px563L at all dose levels were well-tolerated. There were no serious adverse events or adverse events (AE) leading to early withdrawal. In all treatment groups, most AEs were due to injection site reactions, and all AEs at the 10 and 50 mcg dose levels were mild. For the primary immunogenicity endpoint (protective toxin neutralizing antibody 50% neutralization factor [TNA NF 50 ]), titers started to increase significantly after the second administration of Px563L, from Day 35 through Day 70, with the geometric mean and lower bound of the 95% confidence interval exceeding 0.56, a threshold correlating with significant survival in animal models of anthrax exposure. In conclusion, Px563L, administered as two IM doses 28 days apart, was well-tolerated and elicited a protective antibody response starting at seven days after the second vaccination. These findings support the continued development of Px563L in a two-dose regimen for anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02655549. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AV7909 is a next-generation anthrax vaccine under development for post-exposure prophylaxis following suspected or confirmed Bacillus anthracis exposure, when administered in conjunction with the recommended antibacterial regimen. AV7909 consists of the FDA-approved BioThrax® vaccine (anthrax vaccine adsorbed) and an immunostimulatory Toll-like receptor 9 agonist oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant, CPG 7909. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential systemic and local toxicity of AV7909 when administered via repeat intramuscular injection to the right thigh muscle (biceps femoris) to male and female Sprague Dawley rats. The vaccine was administered on Days 1, 15, and 29 and the animals were assessed for treatment-related effects followed by a 2-week recovery period to evaluate the persistence or reversibility of any toxic effects. The AV7909 vaccine produced no apparent systemic toxicity based on evaluation of clinical observations, body weights, body temperature, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology. Necrosis and inflammation were observed at the injection sites as well as in regional lymph nodes and adjacent tissues and were consistent with immune stimulation. Antibodies against B. anthracis protective antigen (PA) were detected in rats treated with the AV7909 vaccine, confirming relevance of this animal model for the assessment of systemic toxicity of AV7909. In contrast, sera of rats that received saline or soluble CPG 7909 alone were negative for anti-PA antibodies. Overall, 3 intramuscular immunizations of Sprague Dawley rats with AV7909 were well tolerated, did not induce mortality or any systemic adverse effects, and did not result in any delayed toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Bacillus anthracis is the cause of the fatal anthrax. Available anthrax vaccines have low stability and require multiple injections in order to be effective. Poly lactic acid (PLA) has been approved as a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer for drug and vaccine delivery applications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibody titer against the protective antigen recombinant protein (PA63) encapsulated by the mPEG-PLA double-block copolymers and to compare with the non-encapsulated PA63. Materials and Methods: To attain this purpose, to start, the desired protein was purified and confirmed and then PA63 was encapsulated with mPEG-PLA double-block copolymers using a water-oil-water solvent evaporation method. Produced nanoparticles was characterized in terms of morphological specifications using scanning electron microscopy, size and polydispersity index using dynamic light scattering and zeta potential using a zeta seizer. The synthesized nanoparticle antigenic content and also its antigen release profile was measured. In the following, the nanoparticles containing antigens (PA63-NPs), blank nanoparticles (mPEG-PLA-NPs), PA63 and adjuvant control were injected subcutaneously to mice and the IgG polyclonal antibody titr was measured by indirect ELISA. Finally to evaluate biocompatibility and toxicity, synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by cell culture testing. Results: The results of this study showed that the synthesized nanoparticles are of good quality. ELISA results showed that antibody production titr in mice receiving PA63-NPs was higher than those receiving the PA63 (P<0.05). Cell culture results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles have no toxicity. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the obtained nano vaccine formulations had a higher ability than non-encapsulated recombinant proteins to stimulate the immune system of animal, and that PLA could be used as an appropriate carrier for an effective, stable, safe and biodegradable engineered recombinant vaccine against anthrax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The letter to the editor titled "When Does Catholic Social Teaching Imply a Duty to be Vaccinated for the Common Good?" by Stephen M.A. Bow discusses 12 criteria for the duty to vaccinate according to Catholic social teaching. While the criteria are generally good, the fifth criterion stating that "vaccination carries no risk of harm" is slightly overstated. The author argues that while vaccines do carry some risk, the duty to vaccinate still exists because the risks are minimal compared to the risks of not being vaccinated. The author suggests changing the criterion to "vaccination carries minimal risk of harm" or "vaccination carries a proportionally small risk of harm." [Extracted from the article]

Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa producer, is facing threats to its cocoa industry from illegal mining and smuggling. Illegal mining, known as "galamsey," is a major problem in Ghana, resulting in the destruction of cocoa farms. Farmers are often enticed by lucrative deals to sell off their land for unlawful mining or switch to other crops. The harvest has declined in recent years due to illegal mining, and smuggling of cocoa beans is also a concern. These challenges are impacting Ghana's economy, which is already facing a severe economic crisis. The government has implemented measures to address these issues, including offering cash rewards to whistleblowers. However, more needs to be done to improve prices and living standards for farmers. [Extracted from the article]

We examined the relationship between the association of a vaccine antigen with immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs shortly after immunization and the resulting neutralizing antibody response induced by that antigen using three antigenic forms of anthrax protective antigen (PA) that induce qualitatively different antibody responses. The three PA forms used were wild-type PA, which binds to anthrax toxin receptors and elicits a robust antibody response that includes both neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies; a receptor-binding-deficient (RBD) mutant form of PA, which does not bind cellular receptors and elicits only barely detectable antibody responses; and an engineered chimeric form of PA, which binds cholera toxin receptors and elicits a robust total antibody response but a poor neutralizing antibody response. We found that both wild-type PA and the PA chimera associated with immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs after immunization, but the RBD mutant PA exhibited minimal association, revealing a relationship between antigen binding to toxin receptors on immune cells after immunization and subsequent antibody responses. A portion of wild-type PA that bound to immune cells was cell surface-associated and maintained its native conformation. Much lower amounts of conformationally intact PA chimera were associated with immune cells after immunization, correlating with the lower neutralizing antibody response elicited by the PA chimera. Thus, binding of an antigen to receptors on immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs after immunization and maintenance of conformational integrity of the cell-associated antigen help dictate the magnitude of the resulting neutralizing antibody response, but not necessarily the total antibody response.IMPORTANCEMany vaccines protect by the induction of antibodies that neutralize the action of the pathogen. Here, we followed the fate of three antigenic forms of a vaccine antigen in secondary lymphoid organs after immunization to investigate events leading to a robust neutralizing antibody response. We found that the magnitude of the neutralizing antibody response, but not the total antibody response, correlates with the levels of conformationally intact antigen associated with immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs after primary immunization. We believe that these results provide important insights into the genesis of neutralizing antibody responses induced by vaccine antigens and may have implications for vaccine design., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Improved methods are needed to prevent wildlife deaths from anthrax. Caused by Bacillus anthracis , naturally occurring outbreaks of anthrax are frequent but unpredictable. The commercially available veterinary vaccine is labeled for subcutaneous injection and is impractical for large-scale wildlife vaccination programs; therefore, oral vaccination is the most realistic method to control and prevent these outbreaks. We reported the induction of an anthrax-specific lethal toxin (LeTx) neutralizing antibody response in mice following oral vaccination with alginate microcapsules containing B. anthracis Sterne strain 34F2 spores, coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) and vitelline protein B (VpB). We continued evaluating our novel vaccine formulation through this proof-of-concept study in white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus ; n = 9). We orally vaccinated WTD via needle-free syringe with three formulations of the encapsulated vaccine: 1) PLL-VpB-coated microcapsules with 10 7-8 spores/ml ( n = 5), 2) PLL-VpB-coated microcapsules with 10 9-10 spores/ml ( n = 2), and 3) PLL-coated microcapsules with 10 9-10 spores/ml ( n = 2). Although the limited sample sizes require continued experimentation, we observed an anthrax-specific antibody response in WTD serum following oral vaccination with PLL-coated microcapsules containing 10 9 spores/ ml. Furthermore, this antibody response neutralized anthrax LeTx in vitro, suggesting that continued development of this vaccine may allow for realistic wildlife anthrax vaccination programs.