Genome sequencing of two Bacillus anthracis strains : a virulent strain and a vaccinal strain

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis strain SPV842 15 was isolated from bovine fetus, while B. anthracis strainBrazilian vaccinal was recovered from a commercial vaccine. We report here the genomesequences of both strains. The SPV842 15 genome is composed of a single circular chromo-some with a length of 5,228,664 base pairs, and comprises 5911 coding sequences. In turn,the Brazilian vaccinal genome remains in 201 contigs with 5733 coding sequences. Bothgenomes have an overall C + G content of 35.4%, and 11 genes encoding the ribosomal RNAs(rRNAs) 5S, 16S and 23S. Only the plasmid pX01 sequence, which carries genes for toxinssynthesis, was detected and completely assembled for both strains. These plasmids havea length of 181,684 base pairs and a C + G content of 32.5%. These genomic data generateinsights about vaccinal B. anthracis virulence.