[Evaluation of the relation between the traditional index on the identification of Bacillus anthracis and its virulence determinant genes].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of traditional index on the identification of Bacillus anthracis and its correlation with pathogenic strains.

METHODS

Routine bacteriologic methods and PCR of virulence genes were used to determine the difference on traditional identification index between pathogenic and nonpathogenic Bacillus.

RESULTS

The characteristics of colony, with hemolysis and mobility both negative are the important interrelated characters of pathogenic strains of Bacillus anthracis.

CONCLUSION

To judge the risk of anthrax, virulence of genes must be first defined. Some traditional methods for identification are still useful when molecular biological methods are not available.