Genetic and Physiological Studies of Bacillus anthracis Related to Development of an Improved Vaccine

Abstract

The primary objective of the research is to gain information and to develop genetic systems that will contribute to development of an improved vaccine for anthrax. During the year represented by this report our research concentrated largely on (i) characterization of the conjugative plasmid, pLS20, of B. subtilis and its ability to transfer plasmids among B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. anthracis; (ii) physical and genetic characterization of the temperate B. thuringiensis phage, TP21, which is active on B. anthracis and whose prophage exists as a plasmid; (iii) further physical and genetic characterization of the B. thuringiensis conjugative plasmids pX011 and pX012; (iv) the mechanism of transfer of the B. anthracis plasmids, pX01 and pX02, by the conjugative plasmid pX012; and (v) transformation of B. cereus and B. anthracis with plasmid DNA. Keywords: Bacillus anthracis, B. anthracis plasmids, Bacillus conjugative plasmids, Anthrax protective antigen, Anthrax toxin.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA187381

Entities

People

  • Curtis B. Thorne

Organizations

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteria
  • Bacteriophages
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Media
  • Deoxyribonucleic Acids
  • Detection
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Infection
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • New Hampshire
  • Phosphodiesterases
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Staphylococcus Aureus

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology