Epidemiology and Ecology of Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

A previously unknown bacterium, Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva), has been identified as a significant cause of lethal infections among large mammals, including chimpanzees and gorillas, in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. This pathogen combines the genetic background of Bacillus cereus with the virulence plasmids of Bacillus anthracis, demonstrating comparable virulence in small animal models. Through comprehensive genomic analysis of 178 Bcbva isolates spanning 1996 to 2014, researchers determined that Bcbva has been present in sub-Saharan Africa for millennia and exhibits localized transmission chains within the park. The study also revealed that carrion flies play a role in disease spread, with Bcbva isolated from flies up to 25 meters high in the rainforest canopy. Serological data indicated that infections are often lethal across multiple wildlife species, highlighting the substantial threat posed by this pathogen.

Zimmermann, F. (2019). Epidemiology and Ecology of Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire [Freie Universität Berlin]. https://doi.org/10.17169/REFUBIUM-1460