Bacillus anthracis strain AFS095574

Bacillus anthracis strain AFS095574 is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium known for its role as the causative agent of anthrax. This organism is a chemoheterotroph, deriving energy from organic compounds, and is classified as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive in both oxygen-rich and low-oxygen environments. It is notable for being non-motile despite the presence of flagella. B. anthracis strain AFS095574 thrives optimally at 37°C, placing it within the mesophilic temperature range. This bacterium exhibits a free-living biotic relationship and possesses a single replicon and one membrane structure. Its ecological niche is primarily in soil, where it can sporulate, producing resilient spores that contribute to its persistence in the environment. The strain is pathogenic to a variety of hosts, including Homo sapiens, Bos (cattle), Ovis aries (sheep), and other mammals such as Equus caballus (horses) and Capra hircus (goats). It is associated with serious health effects, including inhalation anthrax, which can lead to severe respiratory disease in humans and other animals. The ecological insight from this data highlights the significant role of Bacillus anthracis in the soil ecosystem, where its sporulation capability allows it to endure adverse conditions and remain viable for extended periods. This resilience not only aids in its survival but also poses a potential risk to both wildlife and human populations that come into contact with contaminated soil or infected animals.