For general laboratory and research use only
Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, spore bearing bacterium
with a circular DNA genome of around 5.2Mbp with plasmids. B. anthracis is the only
obligate pathogen within the Bacillus genus and causes Anthrax, an acute lethal infection
of both ruminant animals and humans.
B. anthracis spores are soil borne and can survive for decades even under extreme and
unfavourable conditions. Spores enter a host by inhalation, ingestion or via skin lesions.
Subsequently they penetrate the blood stream, germinate and produce fatal toxins. pXO2
encodes the polyglutamyl capsule that [protects the organism from host phagocytosis.
pXO1 plasmid encodes three proteins that in complex, form a toxin although two of these
components are toxic in their own right: EF (oedema factor) increases cyclic AMP levels
causing oedema while LF (Lethal factor) destroys white blood cells. PA (protective antigen)
facilitates cell entry of the other two proteins by pore formation.
Cutaneous anthrax ,caused via spore contact with skin lesions, is the most common form
in humans accounting for 90% of all reported cases and rarely fatal if treated. This form
initially presents as a boil-like skin lesion between 2-3 days after exposure and eventually
forms a painless ulcer with a black center (eschar). Individuals with the ingested, gastrointestinal form undergo a similar disease progression but mortality rates are much higher.
Higher still is the mortality rate of inhaled, pulmonary anthrax. Macrophages in the alveolar
provide entry to the blood stream which can result in septic shock and respiratory
difficulties progressing to organ failure.
Anthrax is generally treated with antibiotics with penicillin being the drug of choice with
current vaccination offering only temporary protection.
Introduction to Bacillus anthracis
The PCR Max qPCR Kit for Bacillus anthracis (B.anthracis) genomes is designed for the in
vitro quantification of B.anthracis genomes. The kit is designed to have the broadest
detection profile possible whilst remaining specific to the B.anthracis genome.
The primers and probe sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of
B.anthracis sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.
If you require further information, or have a specific question about the detection profile of
this kit then please send an e.mail to help@pcrmax.com and our bioinformatics team will
answer your question.
Kit Contents
• B.anthracis specific primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• B.anthracis positive control template (for Standard curve RED)
• Internal extraction control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
VIC labelled as standard
• Internal extraction control DNA (150 reactions BLUE)
• Endogenous control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)
FAM labelled
• RNAse/DNAse free water (WHITE)
for resuspension of primer/probe mixes and internal extraction control DNA
• Template preparation buffer (YELLOW)
for resuspension of positive control template and standard curve preparation
Reagents and equipment to be supplied by the user
Real-Time PCR Instrument
DNA extraction kit
This kit designed to work well with all processes that yield high quality DNA with minimal
PCR inhibitors.
Lyophilised 2x qPCR Mastermix
This kit is designed to be compatible with all commercially available Mastermixes that run
with standard cycling conditions.
Pipettors and Tips
Vortex and centrifuge
Thin walled 1.5 ml PCR reaction tubes