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A Comparative Genomics Analysis of Numerous Bacillus cereus Group Strains Supports Their Reclassification as Bacillus anthracis

Poster
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ASM Biothreats 2020

Arlington, Virginia, United States

January 28, 2020

Abstract

Relative to older methods based on phenotype or 16S rRNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can provide more accurate and objective results for identification of bacterial strains and their assignment to the correct genus and species. To confirm the identification of several strains deposited as Bacillus cereus with BEI Resources and ATCC, we obtained the WGS and performed a variety of genomic analyses. According to the analytical methods employed, the strains have characteristics that are more consistent with atypical Bacillus anthracis than with B. cereus. Taken together, our results from these comparative genomics analyses provide very strong support of their reclassification as non-pathogenic strains of B. anthracis.

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Reference-quality sequences

When performing comparative genomic analyses, it is important to have access to reliable whole-genome sequences. Through the ATCC Genome Portal, you can easily search, access, and analyze thousands of reference-quality genome sequences. Each sequence was developed using an optimized methodology that combines the power of highly accurate short reads with the revolutionary scaffolding ability of ultra-long reads. We then took our workflow one step further by accompanying each stage of the process with rigorous quality control analyses that ensure our data are the highest quality possible. Only the data that passes all quality control criteria are published to the ATCC Genome Portal. Visit the portal today to find the high-quality data you need for your research.

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